Petrochemical evaluation and classification of coal deposits of Barka Sayal area, South Karanpura Coalfield and suggestion for its proper utilisation

Abstract

The present study explores the detailed classification and suggestion for proper utilisation of coals of Barka Sayal (Sayal, Bansgarha, and Hathidari coal seams) of South Karanpura Coalfield based on their petrochemical characteristics. South Karanpura Coalfield is a semi-elliptical basin comprises sediments of Lower Gondwana and is a part of the master Gondwana basin of India. It is located in the western part of the Damodar Valley in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. Pillar coal samples were collected from the working faces of all the above mentioned three coal seams. Coal samples having similar megascopic properties were clubbed together to form a single composite band. The microscopic petrographic analysis reveals the dominance of vitrinite followed by liptinite and inertinite in these coal seams. Mineral matters are represented by argillaceous minerals, followed by carbonates and pyrite. The vitrinite reflectance characterises these coals as sub-bituminous 'A' to high volatile 'C' bituminous in rank. The petrography and geochemistry based coal classification models suggest that the coals of Barka Sayal area are vitric to intermediate type, hypo-bituminous coal with an ashy grade and which can be best utilised for the gasification process and potentially for blend coking or hydrogenation purpose. [Received: April 11, 2017; Accepted: June 13, 2017]