Coal Properties and Their Effect on Industrial Processes

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 1493

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Mining Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Interests: macerals; minerals; coalification; coal combustion; coking coal; coal-to-carbon; gasification; advanced carbon products

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Both macerals and minerals define coal, but so do time, temperature, pressure, and depositional environment. This results in no two coals being alike even within the same mining complex, but many different coals being considered for use in industrial processes. The use of coal as a source of energy—heat and electricity—and those properties that define performance in power plants have been studied by many investigators. Even more complex is the use of coal as a source of carbon. Our “coal trees” show uses as varied as coke and coke breeze, light oil, gas, chemicals, and tars, with many products on each branch. The production of metallurgical coke has benefited from studies of macerals and minerals, and new carbon products under development will need to assess improved performance based on coal properties. As we prepare carbon foams and fibers, graphite, graphene, and quantum dots from coal, understanding coal properties and their effect on production of these materials will be crucial. This Special Issue will review coal properties and their effect on such mundane processes as coal handling and transport, move through a review of coal properties in relation to coal preparation, describe important properties for coal as an energy source in various types of power plants or as a source of carbon for petrol or gases in liquefaction or gasification processes, provide important perspectives related to coke making, and explore the requirements for coals for the carbon materials of the future.

Dr. Barbara J. Arnold
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • macerals
  • minerals
  • coalification
  • coal combustion
  • coking coal
  • coal-to-carbon
  • gasification
  • advanced carbon products

Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 10890 KiB  
Article
Method for the Analysis of Respirable Airborne Particulates on Filter Using the Mineral Liberation Analyser
by Nikky LaBranche, Elaine Wightman, Kellie Teale, Kelly Johnstone and David Cliff
Minerals 2023, 13(12), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13121526 - 7 Dec 2023
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Abstract
In recent years, the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA) has played a pivotal role in analysing respirable and inhalable ambient air samples collected on filters from both underground coal and metalliferous mines. Leveraging backscattered electron (BSE) image analysis and X-ray mineral identification, the MLA [...] Read more.
In recent years, the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA) has played a pivotal role in analysing respirable and inhalable ambient air samples collected on filters from both underground coal and metalliferous mines. Leveraging backscattered electron (BSE) image analysis and X-ray mineral identification, the MLA offers automated quantitative mineral characterization. The escalating prevalence and severity of mine dust lung diseases, particularly among young miners, have reignited interest in comprehensively understanding the dust’s characterization, encompassing mineralogy, particle size, and shape. Merely measuring total respirable dust exposure and its duration based on gravimetrically determined weight is no longer deemed sufficient in addressing the evolving landscape of occupational health challenges in mining environments. Since the publication of previous studies, efforts have been dedicated to refining the Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA) methodology for respirable dust sampling. This refinement, discussed in detail in this paper, encompasses various enhancements, such as the implementation of data checks to identify carbon contamination, backscattered electron (BSE) drift, and the misclassification of X-ray spectra. Additionally, an examination of sampling efficiency led to the exploration of using smaller samples as an alternative to the time-intensive analysis of entire filters. Furthermore, this paper presents a reanalysis of paired filter sample sets previously reported using the Sarver Group Methodology. These samples are subjected to analysis using the Mineral Liberation Analyser, providing a more detailed illustration of the outputs derived from the updated methodology and compared to previously published MLA data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coal Properties and Their Effect on Industrial Processes)
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