Carbonization and Coke Characteristics of Ogboligbo Coal

Abstract

The comprehensive fuel characterization of newly discovered coals is critical to efficient energy recovery and effective utilization in various applications. Over the years, numerous coal deposits have been discovered in Nigeria, which has reignited interest in coal utilization. However, lack of comprehensive data on the new coals and their coking potential has hampered progress in the coal, iron, and steel industries in Nigeria. Therefore, this study examined the coke and energy recovery potential of a newly discovered lignite coal from Ogboligbo (OGB) in Kogi state of Nigeria through carbonization in a muffle furnace reactor. The pH, FTIR and TGA analyses of OGB and the derived cokes were subsequently examined in detail. The results demonstrated that temperature significantly influenced the carbonization process resulting in a coke yield, energy yield, higher heating value, and thermal properties markedly different from OGB. The pH analysis revealed weakly to strongly acidic cokes indicating their limited application to energy, steel, and iron manufacturing. The FTIR analysis showed that OGB and cokes structures consist of clay and silicate minerals such as kaolinite and illite. Lastly, the results showed that the carbonization process adversely affected the thermochemical reactivity of the cokes due to low moisture and volatile matter. However, the risks of self-ignition or spontaneous combustion are minimised after carbonization.