Analyzing Ash Content in Coal Sample:

Ash Content:

Ash is the non-combustible residue formed from the inorganic or

mineral components of the coal. Coals of the worst quality that are
burned commercially in the United States produce about 28% ash, but
elsewhere in the world coals of up to 40% ash are in use.
40% of ash content cement is generally said to be of good quality in
developing countries like Pakistan.

Apparatus:

The following apparatus is used for carrying out this experiment:

1. Crucibles
2. Muffle Furnace
3. Coal sample 1 gram.
4. Spatula.
5. Digital Balance.
6. Safety gloves.
7. Crucible Tongs.

Procedure:

The following steps are taken for analyzing ash content in coal:
1. The weight of the crucible and the lid are measured.
 2. For this specific experiment, 1 gram of coal sample is taken.
3. The coal is added to the crucible.
4. This crucible is placed inside a preheated oven which is set at 750
C.
5. Crucible is left in the oven for 2 hours.
6. Now the sample is reduced to ash in the crucible.
7. Crucible with the sample is reweighted.
8. The difference in weight before and after putting in the
furnace is the carbon components and volatile matter of the
coal.

Readings
Before: Weight of the Crucible Weight of the Coal=17.21+1 grams=
18.21grams
After: Weight of the Crucible Weight of the Coal= 17.31
grams Change in Weight= Moisture Content=18.21-
17.31= 0.9 gram.

Calculations
%Carbon Content = 100x W₁-W₂/W
%Carbon Content = 100x 0.9/1
%Carbon Content = 90%
%Ash content= 100%- %Carbon content= 100%-90%= 10%

Conclusion
From the above experiment, it is concluded that analyzing ash content is
an important aspect of the testing of coal quality. Above all discussion
tells us that more ash content means less burning times, environmental
issues, worrying for its disposal etc.