PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF COAL

The proximate analysis of coal is used for the determination of moisture, volatile
matter, ash and fixed carbon content of coal.
Coal sample has to be analyzed before using it in any field/industry to find out its
quality & suitability. Different type of coal has a certain set of physical parameters
which are mostly controlled by moisture, volatile content and carbon content.

Moisture – An important property of coal, all coals are mined wet. The
extraneous moisture is known as adventitious moisture and is readily evaporated.
Moisture held within the coal itself is known as inherent moisture and is analyzed.
Effect of moisture on the quality of coal:
Moisture reduces the calorific value of coal and considerable amount of heat is
wasted in evaporating it during combustion. Total moisture content of coal
should be as low as possible.
Analysis:
Total moisture is analyzed by loss of mass of sample by heating at 105 – 110 °C
and relative loss of mass is determined.

Volatile matter (VM) – volatile matter is usually a mixture of short and long chain
hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons and some sulfur. Volatile matter of the coal
is related to the flame, smoke formation & ignition characteristics.
Effect of VM on the quality of coal:
High volatile coal gives long flame, high smoke & relatively low heating values.
Volatile matter content should be therefore as low as possible but minimum 20%
is required for the ignition of coal.
Analysis:
Volatile matter is analysed by heating the coal sample to 900 ± 50 °C for 7 minutes
in a closed silica crucible in muffle furnace and relative loss of mass is determined.

ASH – Ash content of coal is the non-combustible residue left after coal is burnt. It
represents the bulk mineral matter after carbon, oxygen, sulfur and water has
been driven off during combustion. It consists of inorganic matter like silica,
alumina, iron oxide, lime magnesia etc.
Effect of ash on the quality of coal:
Ash reduces the heating value of coal, reduces air supply in furnaces and also
requires labour for its regular disposal. Hence ash content of coal should be as
low as possible.
Analysis:
Analysis is straightforward, with the coal thoroughly burnt and the ash material
expressed as a percentage of the original weight.

Fixed carbon – The fixed carbon content of the coal is the carbon found in the
material which is left after volatile materials are driven off. This differs from the
ultimate carbon content of the coal because some carbon is lost in hydrocarbons
with the volatiles.
Effect of fixed carbon on the quality of coal:
Carbon is the main combustible constituent of the coal that is responsible for the
heating value. More the fixed carbon content, higher will be the calorific value
of coal.
Analysis:
Fixed carbon is determined by removing the mass of volatile matter, moisture and
ash determined from the original mass of the coal sample.
Calorific value – the amount of heat liberated by burning unit mass or unit
volume of fuel at STP is called as calorific value.
Two types:
Gross calorific value (GCV):
The amount of heat liberated by burning unit mass or unit volume of fuel at STP
and the products of combustion are cooled to 15 °C.

GCV = NCV + (0.09 × H × latent heat of water)

Net calorific value (NCV):

The amount of heat liberated by burning unit mass or unit volume of fuel at STP
and the products of combustion are allowed to escape in atmosphere.