Assessment of Some Nigerian Coals for Metallurgical Application

I. O. Akpabio, M. M. Chagga, A. Jauro

Chemistry Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P. M. B. 0248, Bauchi,Bauchi State, Nigeria..
Scientific Services Department, National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC),P.M. B 2116, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria..

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2008.74023                

Abstract

In the quest for a search of a suitable coal deposit of metallurgical importance, the qualities of three Nigerian coal samples, Lafia-Obi, Doho and Lamja, were assessed for possible utilization in metallurgical coke production. Several parameters that determine coking quality, such as moisture content, ash, volatile matter, free swelling index, sulphur content, Gray-King coke test, dilatation and plasticity (fluidity), were investigated. Lafia-Obi has the lowest moisture and volatile matter and the highest fixed carbon content. Its ash and sulphur contents are greater than that required by a coking but washing prior to use is expected to improve it. The volatile matter places Lafia-Obi in the medium-volatile bituminous rank, while Lamja and Doho are of medium-volatile bituminous rank. The rheological properties show that Lafia-Obi is the only caking coal. This put together single out Lafia-Obi as a potential candidate for coke making. Doho and Lamja coals may be useful for steam raising, liquefaction or chemicals manufacture.

Keywords

proximate analysis, coking coal, plastic properties, coke

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Okolo, H. C., and Mkpadi, M. C., 1996, Coal in the energy mix of Nigeria, In: Nigerian Coal, a Resource for Energy and Investments, pp.12-16, (Okolo, H. C. and Mkpadi, M. C., Eds.), Mufadenic Press, Lagos.
[2]	Famuboni, A.D., 1996, Maximizing exploration of Nigeria’s coal reserves, In: Nigerian Coal, a Resource for Energy and Investments, pp. 39-61, (Okolo, H. C. and Mkpadi, M. C., Eds.), Mufadenic Press, Lagos.
[3]	American Society for Testing and Materials, 1992, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 5.05, Petroleum Products, Lubricants and Fossil Fuels.
[4]	Montgomery, W. F., 1978, Standard laboratory test methods for coal and coke, In: Analytical Methods for Coal and Coal Products, Volume 1, pp. 194-224, (Karr, C., Ed.), Academic Press, New York.
[5]	British Standard Institute, 1991, Assessment of coking power by Gray-king coke test, In: Methods for Analysis and Testing of Coal and Coke, pp. 4-12, London.
[6]	Bellview, N., 1995, Report on the Laboratory and Pilot Scale Assessment of Coal, Report submitted to NNDC Jos, pp.1-7, Mabinuori Dawodu Press.
[7]	International Energy Agency (IEA)/Organization for Energy Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2002, Coal in the Energy Supply of India, p. 28, Paris.
[8]	Bustin, R. M., Cameron, A. R., Greve, D. A., and Kalkreuth, W. D., 1985, Coal Petrology: Its Principles, Methods and Applications, Geological Association of Canada.,Course Notes Volume 3, p. 230.
[9]	Price, J., Gransden, J., and Hampel, K., 1997, Microscopy, Chemistry and Rheology, Tools to Determining Coal and Coke Characteristics, 1st McMaster’s cokemaking course. 4.1-4.74, McMaster’s University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
[10]	Peng C., 2002, “Petrographic Characteristics of Chinese Coals and their Applications in Coal Utilization Processes.” J. Fuel, Vol. 81, pp. 11-12.
[11]	Diez, M. A., Alvarez, R. and Barriocanal, C., 2002, Coal for Metallurgical Coke Production: Prediction of Coke Quality and Future Requirements for Coke Making.” Int. J. Coal Geology, Vol. 50, pp. 289-412.
[12]	Williams, K., 1977, “Primary Coal-Analytical Needs.” J. Pure and Applied Chemistry, Vol. 49, pp. 1465-1473, Pergamon, Great Britain.
[13]	Walker, R., Mastalerz, M. and Padgett, P., 2001, “Quality of Selected Coal Seams from Indiana: Implications for Carbonization.” Int. J. of Coal Geology, Vol. 47, pp. 277-288.
[14]	Ward, C. R., 2002, Coal Geology, In: Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology, Volume 3, pp. 45-76, Academic Press, London.