Remediation of sulfur in two Turkish lignites under various treatments

ABSTRACT

In this study, two Turkish lignites were tested under microwave and magnetic effects. The samples are belong to Nallıhan (Çayırhan) and Çan (Çanakkale) regions of Turkey. The proximate analyses of two lignites (fixed carbon, volatile matter, sulfur, ash, and moisture) were done, and the calorific values were also calculated. 185 W Microwave effect was applied on a 4 g specimen for 4 minutes. Also, the magnetic effect was performed via a dry magnetic separator by feeding a 20 g sample on magnetic device. During microwave treatment, the moisture content of lignites was decreased. Some fractures or cracks on the lignite body were evolved. Those apertures enhance the reaction pathways of lignites. Microwave treatment was more effective than the magnetic effect from sulfur removal. The sulfur amount of Nallıhan lignite was decreased under microwave and magnetic effects by 44% and 54%, respectively. Those values were decreased by 27% and 44% with microwave and magnetic effects in Çan lignite. All data were evaluated and identified with some spectra. Furthermore, structural analyses were explained via the specimens’ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra. On the other hand, the elemental constituents were identified via X-ray spectra. Raw Nallıhan lignite consists of quartz, hematite, pyrite, and feldspar groups. On the other hand, raw Çan lignite consists of quartz, hematite, and anhydrate groups. The hot melting method was applied to the ash of the two Turkish lignites treated microwave and magnetic applications. The possible inorganic formulations were also commented on in the ash of the specimens.

KEYWORDS:

• Lignite
• microwave
• magnetic
• sulfur
• FTIR
• X-ray

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).