MAINTENANCE OF THE COAL SAMPLE BANK AND DATABASE

Abstract

This project provides coal samples and accompanying analytical data for research by DOE contractors and others. All 56 samples have been purged with argon before storage, and the 33 samples in the DECS series are heat-sealed in foil laminate bags and stored under refrigeration. Eleven DECS samples have been collected under the current contract. Basic characterization, standardized liquefaction analyses and organic geochemical analyses have been completed. Distribution of samples and data is continuing, with processing of samples being performed as needed. Nineteen samples, 90 data printouts, and individual data items from 416 samples were distributed during the quarter. Trends and relationships observed in liquefaction and organic geochemical analyses performed under the contract are summarized in this report. Liquefaction results using tetralin were similar to those using 1-methylnaphthalene under the same run conditions. Properties of individual coals, such as maceral composition and corresponding organic chemical components, were important in explaining liquefaction behavior. NMR and py/gc/ms results illustrated trends based on coal rank, and revealed outliers which might be of special interest, for example low-phenolic coals which limit retrogressive reactions and permit greater liquefaction conversion.