Abstract
Coal due to its relatively large quantities and wide distribution worldwide has generated renewed interest in research and development with the aim of establishing coal conversion technologies that are technically reliable, environmentally and economically feasible. It has proved to be a prominent energy source in emerging markets with increasing energy demand by accounting for the largest increase in the demand of energy amongst all other energy sources. Furthermore, with its higher mesophase content, coal tar is an appropriate raw material for precursors in the production of carbon fiber. However, whenever a material is put to use, it is important to be able to associate its properties to the behavioral characteristics during a conversion process so as to have a basis for opting for the material in a given process or adjusting the operating conditions in order to optimize the material utilization. Therefore, as with any other material, it is important to be able to relate the properties of coal to its utilization. A review was carried out on the influence of coal properties on four main utilization technologies: gasification, carbonization, liquefaction and carbon fibre production. Among several properties rank, type, mineral matter content, distribution of trace elements, structural composition and pore structure were found to be most influential on the behavior of coal during conversion processes.
Highlights
IntroductionCoal is a combustible sedimentary rock formed from ancient vegetation which has been compressed between other rock strata
Whenever a material is put to use, it is important to be able to associate its properties to the behavioral characteristics during a conversion process so as to have a basis for opting for the material in a given process or adjusting the operating conditions in order to optimize the material utilization
Type, mineral matter content, distribution of trace elements, structural composition and pore structure were found to be most influential on the behavior of coal during conversion processes
Summary
Coal is a combustible sedimentary rock formed from ancient vegetation which has been compressed between other rock strata. The vegetation was accumulated under conditions that either limited or inhibited its decay. It is a rock with one evolution process, it is very heterogeneous in nature and the heterogeneity is brought about by the kind of vegetation deposited (coal type), degree of coalification (coal rank) and range of impurities (coal grade) (Edgar 1983; Warwick 2002; Suarez-Ruiz and Crelling 2008). The rank, type and grade are highly
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Coal Science & Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
