Interrelation Between Mechanical and Petrographic Characteristics of Coals of Argada ‘B’ Seam: Implication To Comminution and Utilization

ABSTRACT

The mechanical, as well as petrographic characteristics of coal, have their own significance. Coal is crushed to fine size for its usage in pulverized coal-fired plants, pulverized coal injection in blast furnaces, coal beneficiation and other industrial applications. Coal dusts severely affect the environment and ecology. To identify the effect of mechanical and petrographic characteristics on coal comminution and utilization, the pillar coal samples of Argada ‘B’ Seam of South Karanpura Coalfield were subjected to different analyses. The megascopic petrographic analysis reveals the dominance of banded dull coal while microscopically these are vitrinite rich followed by inertinite and liptinite. Mineral matter is mainly characterized by argillaceous minerals, disseminated carbonate minerals, and low concentration of pyrite. Vitrite is the most dominant microlithotype. These coals are sub-bituminous B to high-volatile B bituminous in rank. The mechanical properties and petrographic characteristics reveal that the ‘dull coal’ has produced more undersize 100 mesh fines than banded dull coal and banded coal. The friability index of dull coal is found higher than in ‘banded dull coal’ and ‘banded coal’. The study suggests that these coals are best suited as blend coking coals.

KEYWORDS:

• Coal petrography
• comminution
• utilization
• Argada
• mechanical properties
• crushing
• grinding

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), Jais, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, India, for providing the necessary facilities. The help rendered during sampling, by the officials of the Central Coalfields Limited is thankfully acknowledged.