A new equation for the prediction of coal self-heating based on maceral content

Abstract

ABSTRACT The potential of occurrence of coal self-heating is controlled by various properties, both intrinsic and extrinsic. In the intrinsic properties, the maceral content has an important role in influencing its occurrence. This parameter has not been discussed in a comprehensive study among the researchers. Thus, the study of the influence of this parameter on coal self-heating is required. In the present work, the coal self-heating potential was predicted based on the maceral content. A total of 51 coal samples from different underground coal fields in Iran with different percentages of maceral content were collected, and R70 test method was carried out on each coal sample. Then, the regression analysis technique was used for modeling and predicting the coal self-heating potential. For validation and testing, 11 coal samples were randomly gathered from coalfields, and R70 test method was carried on each coal sample and results obtained were compared through a regression analysis. By examining and comparing the results and values obtained from R70 test method and the regression analysis, it was found that increase in the vitrinite and liptinite contents and decrease in the inertinite content increased the coal self-heating potential.