TITLE:
Assessment of Some Nigerian Coals for Metallurgical Application
AUTHORS:
I. O. Akpabio, M. M. Chagga, A. Jauro
KEYWORDS:
proximate analysis, coking coal, plastic properties, coke
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.7 No.4,
December
20,
2008
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.