The Influence of the Properties of Coals on Their Conversion into Clean Fuels

Abstract

Abstract Two fundamental controlling factors in the geological histories of coals have determined their physical and chemical characteristics and, consequently, the industrial uses to which they can be put. The first of these is the set of conditions that existed in the original peat swamp, involving the type of vegetation, the nature and extent of the degxadative, preservational, and sedimentary processes, and resulting in varying assemblages of organic macerals and inorganic minerals. Certain of these ingredients are beneficial in conversion processes. The second factor is the nature and degree of the metamorphic changes that the peat deposit underwent during burial within the earth's crust. Although coals of lower rank are readily converted into liquid fuels, the highest yields are obtained from coals of high volatile bituminous rank. Microscopic methods of measuring the contribution made by both of the controlling factors (petrographic type and rank) enable workers to compare the conversion potential ...