Abstract
In the present investigation an attempt has been made to study the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of coal deposits of West Bokaro coalfield of India. Coal samples were subjected to detailed petrographic and geochemical analyses. The results reveal that these coals are rich in vitrinite with significant concentration of inertinite and a meager amount of liptinite. The mineral matter is dominated by argillaceous matter (clay minerals, quartz, etc.) followed by carbonate (ankerite, siderite, calcite, etc.) and suplphides (mainly pyrite), which occurs in different forms, such as dispersed, cavity filling, fissure filling, as well as massive impregnation. The volatile matter (d.a.f. basis) and reflectance values (Rom) suggest these coals to be between high volatile bituminous type B to medium volatile bituminous in rank. These coals can be best used for blending to produce metallurgical coke. The petrochemical characteristics of these coals favor their use in gasification and hydrogenation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author (AKS) is thankful to Prof. J. P. Gupta, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, for his constant encouragement for the research activities. The authors thankfully acknowledge the Geological Services of West Bokaro Division of Tata Steels Pvt Ltd. for their help in sampling in the field and also for extending their R & D facilities. PKS and MPS are thankful to the Centre of Advanced Study in Geology, Banaras Hindu University for providing the necessary facilities.