Coal analysis using thermogravimetry

Thermogravimetric analysis is being used increasingly today to obtain kinetic data related to coal decomposition. However, this method is open to criticism on the basis that the meaning of the activation energy of solid state reactions obtained from TG experiments is not clear. In this study a linear relationship between procedural activation energy and heat of reaction is developed. This is typical of elementary reactions of atoms and small radicals. The effects of alkali metal salts on the decomposition of coal under three gas atmospheres (N,. CO, and air) are investigated. Several features are reported such as the effect of the catalysts on coal conversion and CH,, CO and CO, emission. These are related to observed changes in activation energy.