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Abstract
The combustion of fine char particles obtained by devolatilization of a bituminous coal has been investigated by means of a TGA apparatus. The coal tested belongs to a class of coals showing a notably high content of macerals of inertinite group compared to those of vitrinite group. Carbon conversion rate vs burn off profiles have been obtained at temperatures ranging from 380 to 460°C and oxygen partial pressures in the interval 0.21 to 1 bar. Under conditions tested combustion took place in the chemical kinetic controlled regime. Kinetic parameters have been obtained by regression analysis of experimental data.
Experimental results are compared with predictions of literature models which assume homogeneity of the reacting solid and with results of calculations in which the existence in the char of two distinct phases of different reactivity, which are the residues after devolatilization of vitrinite and of inertinite macerals respectively, is assumed. Comparison of experimental data with results from calculations in the two cases is used to outline the influence of coal maceral composition on observed combustion behaviour.