Degree Of Metamorphism Research Articles

Carbon matrix nanostructured composites as a new type of supercapacitor electrode materials

Carbon matrix nanocomposites C / Au and C / MnxOy are obtained by a reduction of HAuCl4 and KMnO4 precursor solutions with single-walled carbon nanotubes or highly porous carbon materials obtained by high-temperature alkaline activation of various metamorphism degree coals. The morphology of the nanocomposite materials is studied by the electron microscopy. It is found that the filler introduction slightly reduces the specific surface of matrices and, due to the blocking of meso- and micropore volumes, filler nanoparticles do not precipitate in the pores of a predominantly microporous matrix and partially decorate them in mixed-type matrices (meso- and micropores). Nanocomposites have been studied as supercapacitor electrode materials. It is established that decorating the matrix surface with both types fillers (Au, which increases the electrical double layer capacitance, and MnxOy, which is electrochemically active in a given potential window due to the occurrence of Red-Ox electrode processes) results in an increase in the supercapacitor electrodes capacitance. The most significant effect is observed for composites based on the SWCNT and highly porous Boghead in the region of high potential scan rates by a factor of 3.4 – 4.5, and in the region of low rates (2.5 – 2.8), depending on the filler. The results obtained allow one to consider the composites C / Au and C / MnxOy as promising materials for the development of SC electrodes.

Study on the Occurrence Difference of Functional Groups in Coals with Different Metamorphic Degrees.

In order to quantitatively study the difference in occurrence content of functional groups in coals with different metamorphic degrees, the samples of long flame coal, coking coal, and anthracite of three different coal ranks were characterized by FTIR and the relative content of various functional groups in different coal ranks was obtained. The semi-quantitative structural parameters were calculated, and the evolution law of the chemical structure of the coal body was given. The results show that with the increase in the metamorphic degree, the substitution degree of hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring in the aromatic group increases with the increase in the vitrinite reflectance. With the increase in coal rank, the content of phenolic hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, and other active oxygen-containing groups gradually decreased, and the content of ether bonds gradually increased. Methyl content increased rapidly first and then increased slowly, methylene content increased slowly first and then decreased rapidly, and methylene content decreased first and then increased. With the increase in vitrinite reflectance, the OH-π hydrogen bond gradually increases, the content of hydroxyl self-association hydrogen bond first increases and then decreases, the oxygen-hydrogen bond of hydroxyl ether gradually increases, and the ring hydrogen bond first significantly decreases and then slowly increases. The content of the OH-N hydrogen bond is in direct proportion to the content of nitrogen in coal molecules. It can be seen from the semi-quantitative structural parameters that with the increase in coal rank, the aromatic carbon ratio fa, aromatic degree AR and condensation degree DOC increase gradually. With the increase in coal rank, A(CH2)/A(CH3) first decreases and then increases, hydrocarbon generation potential 'A' first increases and then decreases, maturity 'C' first decreases rapidly and then decreases slowly, and factor D gradually decreases. This paper is valuable for analyzing the occurrence form of functional groups in different coal ranks and clarifying the evolution process of structure in China.

Method for determining the ultimate sorption capacity of coal matter by EPR-spectroscopy

Purpose. Improving the method for determining the ultimate sorption capacity of coal matter using EPR-spectroscopy (electron paramagnetic resonance) by adjusting the proportionality coefficient between the ultimate sorption capacity of coal and the concentration of paramagnetic centers and the conjugation coefficient in accordance with the degree of coalification. Methodology. The ultimate sorption capacity of the matter was estimated by EPR-spectroscopy, based on the content of paramagnetic centers (PMC) in coal, which are able to come into physical (sorption) interaction with molecules of paramagnetic gas (O2) when the pressure increases. Processing of the research results was carried out by methods of mathematical statistics. Findings. Analysis of long-term results for determining the ultimate sorption capacity of coal matter by EPR-spectroscopy was carried out. The analysis testified about the need to adjust the proportionality coefficient  between the ultimate sorption capacity of coal and the concentration of paramagnetic centers Na and the conjugation coefficient Ksc, depending on the coal rank metamorphism. The values of the proportionality coefficient  by hard coal ranks for the yield of volatile components Vdaf and the reflectivity of vitrinite R° were calculated. Appropriate changes were made to the express-method for estimating the ultimate sorption capacity of coal by the EPR method. Originality. It is proved that the proportionality coefficient β between the ultimate sorption capacity of coal and the concentration of paramagnetic centers Na and the conjugation coefficient Ksc is not a constant value, but changes (decreases) with the degree of metamorphism. It is established that this relationship is satisfactorily characterized by the sigmoid model, whose inflection (on the graph) is confined to the gas and fat ranks of coals (volatile-matter yield is 29 %) and is caused by the second main jump of coalification during a cardinal change in the molecular structure of coal, associated with the completion of the intensive decomposition of the polymer-lipoidin component in the coal matter. Practical values. The express-method was improved for estimating the ultimate sorption capacity of coal by the EPR-method, which differs by specified proportionality coefficients according to ranks in the series of coalification.

Clay minerals and other hydrous alteration products in the Kaba meteorite: Review of the literature and new XRD investigations

Abstract The present study is a review of publications regarding special aspects of the mineralogy of the Kaba meteorite, clay minerals, hydrous phases, and organic matter. In Section 1, the history of fall and finding of the meteorite and the first classical mineralogical description in the Year 1961 are mentioned. The most frequent alteration product of primary silicates and the glassy matrix is Fe-bearing saponite. By modelling of hydrothermal alteration of Allende-type meteorites, artificial saponite could be produced. The thermodynamic study proved the possibility of hydrous neoformation of silicates and magnetite at low temperatures, mostly below 100°C. The formation of Fe-rich external rims in forsterite grains by hydrothermal action was demonstrated by electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy-cathodo-luminescence methods. Foliation in CV3 carbonaceous chondrites indicates that the Kaba meteorite is derived from the external, shallow zone of the parent body. A combination of X-ray power diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy made the exact modal analysis of CV3 chondrites possible, including Kaba. The study of alteration by in situ determination of stable oxygen isotope contents may provide constraints regarding the oxygen isotopic composition of the aqueous fluid on the CV parent asteroid. The degree of thermal metamorphism of the organic matter was determined by using Raman spectroscopy. The presence of aromatic and aliphatic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, and various amino acids was demonstrated. The non-biogenic origin is more probable; however, there are textural and mineralogical observations that may indicate also the biogenic origin of organic matter. In addition to the review of the literature above, as an appendix, shortly new XRD investigations of the authors are reported that indicated smectite-like phases in a thin section made of the meteorite.

Thermodynamic characteristics of methane adsorption on coals from China with selected metamorphism degrees: Considering the influence of temperature, moisture content, and in situ modification

A better understanding of the thermodynamic characteristics of methane (CH4) adsorption on coal surfaces is needed for the high-efficiency coalbed methane (CBM) preextraction or prevention of coal and gas outbursts. In this study, atomistic representations of selected coal samples with different degrees of metamorphism, such as long flame coal, coking coal, and anthracite coal obtained from China were created; CH4 adsorption isotherms considering the temperature, moisture content, and microwave in situ modification for CBM preextraction were simulated and analysed. The coal molecular structural results showed that as the degree of coal metamorphism increased from long flame coal to coking coal and anthracite coal, the functional groups in the molecular structure of the coal reduced, while the degree of graphite increased. In situ modification of coal facilitated this process. The saturation adsorption capacity of CH4 decreased and then increased with increasing coal metamorphism degree and decreased linearly with increasing temperature. When water molecules were present, the adsorbed CH4 showed different degrees of decreasing trends with increasing moisture content. The isosteric heat of CH4 adsorption followed the order of coking coal > anthracite coal > long flame coal. The isosteric heat gradually decreased with increasing methane adsorption, and the presence of water molecules had a limited effect on the isosteric heat. In situ modification disrupted the self-conjugated hydrogen bonds, reduced the oxygen-containing functional groups, and decomposed some associated minerals in the coal samples. After in situ modification, the amount of methane adsorption decreased due to a greater contribution from the functional group change than that from the pore volume change, and the modification effect was more evident for the low-rank coal samples than for the middle and high metamorphism degree coal samples. In situ modification applied in the coal seams could contributed to designs for CBM exploration, and the results of this experiment and simulation could provide a novel theoretical basis for in situ modification technology.

Study on evolution characteristics of thermal contribution functional groups in low temperature oxidation process of bituminous coal

In order to study the key functional groups that play a major role in heat during the low-temperature oxidation of bituminous coal, this paper takes three kinds of bituminous coals with different degrees of metamorphism as the research objects, analyzes the variation law of thermal effect parameters during low-temperature oxidation of coal by C80 microcalorimetry experiment, and calculates and analyzes the activation energy of different oxidation stages by oxidation kinetics method. The change rule of functional groups during low temperature oxidation was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared experiment. The correlation between heat and functional groups was comparatively analyzed by using the grey correlation degree and frequency ratio model method, and the key functional groups of bituminous coal that play a major role in heat at different oxidation stages were identified. The results showed that with the deepening of metamorphism degree, the heat flow curve and exotherm gradually decrease, while the characteristic temperature and activation energy gradually increase. Among them, from Caojiatan's long-flame coal to Dongtan's gas coal, the exotherm decreased by 35.5 %, and the maximum endothermic rate temperature and heat balance temperature increased by 3.43 °C and 13.32 °C respectively. With the deepening of metamorphism degree, the content of hydroxyl groups keeps increasing, the content of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic functional groups and fatty ethers first decreases and then increases, and the content of carboxyl groups first increases and then decreases. The correlation analysis between the gray correlation method and the frequency ratio model method shows that as the degree of metamorphic deepened, the key functional groups that play a major role in heat change from COOH to OH in the rapid endothermic stage, from-CH2- to COC in the slow endothermic stage, and from OH to COOH in the rapid exothermic stage. The key functional groups of bituminous coal, which play a major role in heat, follow the evolution of OH → CH2, COC → COOH as the oxidation stage advances.

Study of the Change Laws of Free Radicals and Functional Groups during Coal Oxidation.

In order to study the change laws of free radicals and functional groups during low-temperature coal oxidation, three coal samples with different metamorphic degrees were selected for ESR and FTIR analysis. The results showed that the concentration of free radicals increased as the temperature increased; meanwhile, the types of free radicals changed constantly, and the free radical variation range decreased with the increase in coal metamorphism. The side chains of aliphatic hydrocarbons in coal with a low metamorphic degree decreased by varying amounts in the initial heating stage. The -OH content of bituminous coal and lignite increased first and then decreased, while that in anthracite decreased first and then increased. In the initial oxidation stage, -COOH first increased rapidly, then decreased rapidly, and then increased before finally decreasing. The content of -C=O in bituminous coal and lignite increased in the initial stage of oxidation. Through gray relational analysis, it was found that there was a significant relationship between free radicals and functional groups, and -OH had the strongest correlation with free radicals. This paper provides a theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of functional groups transforming into free radicals in the process of coal spontaneous combustion.

Characterization and Analysis of Molecular-Scale Pore Structure of Coal with Different Metamorphic Degrees

To explore the micropore structure of coal, this paper proposes a method to reconstruct coal pores at the molecular scale, characterizing and analyzing the micropore structure of coal with different metamorphic degrees. Based on the construction of coal molecules, the molecular-scale pore models of coal were reconstructed by the Monte Carlo method. The pore models were visualized and quantitatively characterized via the principles of the maximum sphere algorithm. The molecular-scale pore structure parameters and morphological characteristics of coal with different metamorphic degrees were analyzed. Combined with CO2 adsorption experiments, the rationality of coal molecular-scale pore reconstruction and characterization was verified. The results are as follows: the pore size of molecular-scale pores is distributed over 0.2–0.7 nm, and the throat diameter is mainly distributed over 0.1–0.5 nm. With the increase of metamorphic degree, the specific surface area and pore volume first decreased and then increased, and the number of pores showed a rapid–slow–rapid rise trend. In addition, the pore shape tends to be simpler and then more complex, the pore connectivity decreases and then increases, while the coal development becomes progressively more uniform. During the evolution of the molecular structure, the aliphatic structure and oxygen-containing functional groups in the coal are shed and the intermolecular pores gradually decrease. As the aromatic structure increases, the internal molecular pores gradually increase. The research provides a new method for exploring the molecular-scale pore structure of coal and has practical significance for understanding the microscopic characteristics of coal with different metamorphic degrees.

Experimental Study on the Inhibitory Effect of Organic Phosphonic Acid Compound on Coal Spontaneous Combustion

ABSTRACT The minerals in coal contain a certain amount of metal ions, among which transition metal ions have a catalytic effect on coal spontaneous combustion (CSC). Therefore, the addition of metal ion chelating agent to coal will weaken this catalytic effect, thereby inhibiting CSC. As a class of highly effective metal ion chelating agent, two kinds of organic phosphonic acid compounds (OPAC), 1-Hydroxy Ethylidene-1,1-Diphosphonic Acid (HEDP) and 2-Hydroxyphosphonoacetic Acid (HPAA), were investigated for their inhibitory effect on CSC. First, the low-temperature oxidation experiment was performed on coal samples before and after OPAC treatment. The experimental results show that HEDP and HPAA could reduce CO generation during spontaneous combustion of coal with different metamorphic degrees. Besides, the inhibiting efficiency of HEDP on CSC is higher than that of HPAA. Then, the effects of HEDP and HPAA on the thermal properties of CSC were investigated using synchronous thermal analysis experiment. The experimental results show that HEDP and HPAA could significantly weaken the oxygen adsorption, mass loss, and heat release during the high-temperature oxidation stage of CSC and exhibit the same result that HEDP is better than HPAA. Finally, the reasons for the difference in the inhibitory effects of HEDP and HPAA were analyzed and the inhibition mechanism of them on CSC was revealed via quantum chemical calculation. The results can provide new ideas for preventing CSC and developing new inhibitors.

Gas Diffusion Characteristics and Size Effect in Coal Particles with Different Degrees of Metamorphism

Coalbed methane (CBM) is a green unconventional energy source where the gas diffusion efficiency in coal directly limits the production capacity. Therefore, different gas adsorption experiments were used to determine the diffusion characteristics of coal samples with varying degrees of metamorphism. The influence law based on the gas type, pore structure, and coal sample size on the gas diffusion coefficient was analyzed, and the synergistic control effect of various factors on diffusion was discussed. The results show that when the particle size is the same, the diffusion coefficient of different gases shows the change rule of CO2 > N2 > CH4, and the diffusion coefficient of different samples is positively correlated with the degree of pore development. When the particle size is different, the diffusion coefficient is negatively correlated with the pore development degree and positively correlated with the sample particle size. The effective diffusion coefficient is consistent with the diffusion coefficient when the particle size of the sample is the same, and the effective diffusion coefficient is opposite to the diffusion coefficient when the particle size decreases. The analysis reveals that the diffusion coefficients of different gas are limited by the diameter of gas molecular dynamics, and the diffusion coefficient is reduced with the decrease in the diameter of the gas molecular dynamics. The change of diffusion coefficient caused by particle size change is positively correlated with the change of diffusion cross section caused by size effect. The difference between the effective diffusion coefficient and the diffusion coefficient mainly comes from whether the effective diffusion path is calculated. Therefore, when the particle size is constant, the effective diffusion coefficient can replace the diffusion coefficient to characterize the diffusion behavior. When the particle size is different, it is more appropriate to use the diffusion coefficient to characterize the gas diffusion behavior. The significance of the research findings in revealing gas transport in the coal matrix and coalbed methane formation is substantial.

Experimental study and weighting analysis of factors influencing gas desorption

Gas is one of the necessary contributing factors for coal and gas outburst accidents, and the gas desorbed in coal is the energy carrier in the outburst process. The study of gas desorption laws is the premise and basis for gas content determination and gas accident prevention. To solve the problem of inaccurate gas content measurement due to the unclear characteristics of rapid gas desorption in 0–10 s, the gas desorption experimental device was improved, the influence factors of gas desorption were studied experimentally, and a comprehensive analysis method was proposed based on the gas desorption rate, gas desorption efficiency, initial gas desorption amount and total desorbed gas. The experiment analysed five factors that affected gas desorption, including the degree of metamorphism, type of failure, particle size, pressure and temperature. The results show that there is a monotonically decreasing power function relationship between the initial gas desorption rate and time and a monotonically increasing logarithmic function relationship between the gas desorption amount and time; the curve has a limit value. The gas desorption amount is large in 0–10 s and increases slowly afterwards. Among the factors affecting gas desorption, their importance decreases in the order of pressure > metamorphism > particle size > failure type > temperature. This study is of great practical value for the calculation of gas losses in gas content determination, and the resulting gas desorption laws are of great importance in guiding gas control work.

CO2 adsorption-deformation-percolation characteristics of coals with different degrees of metamorphism and improvement of dynamic prediction model

The deformation and permeability changes occurring during CO2 adsorption in the coal body are important factors affecting CO2 injectability. In order to reveal the characteristic laws of adsorption, deformation and permeability of coal in the process of CO2 adsorption by different coal rank coals, the test experiments of adsorption, deformation and permeability of different coal rank coals under the condition of constant external force were carried out. The adsorption capacity of different coal samples for CO2 was obtained as anthracite > coking coal > long flame coal; The radial deformation ɛ2 and axial deformation ɛ1 of coal after CO2 gas adsorption by anthracite are the closest (ɛ2/ɛ1 is about 1.37), coking coal is the second (ɛ2/ɛ1 is about 1.73), long-flame coal is the largest (ɛ2/ɛ1 is about 2.72), In other words, the higher the coal rank, the more significant the degree of internal homogeneity and isotropy of the coal body, and the mean value of the volume deformation of CO2 adsorbed by long-flame coal is 1.07 and 1.17 times higher than that of coking coal and anthracite. The permeability curves of CO2 adsorption in all three coal samples decreased first and then increased, and the permeability of CO2 in coking coal was the largest, and the sensitivity coefficient of CO2 permeability in coal to adsorption pressure showed a trend of rapid decrease and then small increase. Based on the CO2 adsorption-deformation-percolation variation law of coal, an improved dynamic prediction model of adsorption (fitting accuracy 0.9850 ∼ 0.9963), an improved dynamic prediction model of coal body deformation (fitting accuracy 0.9889 ∼ 0.9921) and an improved dynamic prediction model of permeability (fitting accuracy 0.9848 ∼ 0.9914).

Probing the interaction between coal particle and collector using atomic force microscope and density functional theory calculation

Revealing the interaction mechanism between coal and collector is essential for coal flotation. However, direct determination of the interaction force between coal and collector has rarely been reported. In this work, an atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to directly measure the interaction between collectors, i.e., n-dodecane, nonyl benzene and sub-bituminous coal (SC), bituminous coal (BC) and anthracite coal (BC) with different metamorphic degrees, and density functional theory calculation (DFT) was used to simulate the interaction mechanism of coal and collectors at the molecular level. The results indicate that the interaction force between coal and collector improves with the increase of coal metamorphic degrees for the same type of collector. Extended DLVO fitting reveals that the hydrophobic interaction decays exponentially. Consistent with the AFM force measurement results, the adsorption energy between the coal and the collector calculated by DFT all show that the interaction between n-dodecane and the three types of coals is weaker than that of nonyl benzene. This work provides quantitative information on the molecular interaction mechanism underlying the adsorption of collectors on the coal of varying surface chemistry at the nanoscale, with valuable implications for developing influential collectors for coal preparation and many other engineering processes.

REAL-TIME FORECASTING OF KEY COKING COAL QUALITY PARAMETERS USING NEURAL NETWORKS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

High quality coke is a key raw material for the metallurgical industry. The characteristics of the coal have a significant influence on the parameters of the coke produced and, consequently, on the valuation of coal deposits and the economic assessment of mining projects. Predicting the quality of coking coal allows for the optimisation of production processes, including the planning and management of operations and the early detection of quality problems. In this study, using the principles of a smart mine, it is proposed to determine the quality of coal based on the combination of mining and geological conditions of mineral deposits and its quality indicators. Possible interrelationships between the quality of the coal in the deposit and the characteristics of the final product have been identified. A neural network is used to determine the priority of individual indicators that have a significant impact on the quality of coking coal. An important part of the research is its practical implementation in the conditions of the Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa SA. Qualitative and quantitative parameters of coking coals were obtained for each mine of the region by the method of sampling and statistical processing of data such as: degree of metamorphism, thickness, deviation of volatile substances, presence of phosphorus, ash content, etc. For their evaluation, the Group Method of Data Handling was used to compare the factors of quality indicators depending on the priority of influence on the final characteristics of the coking coal. Based on the results obtained, it is shown that not all coal quality indicators have a significant impact on the quality of the final product. The study shows that it is possible to predict the main indicators (CRI – Coke Reactivity Index, CSR – Coke Strength after Reaction) of coke quality using neural networks based on a larger number of coal quality parameters and to eliminate parameters that have virtually no influence on the value of the final product. This method can also be used to improve the results of economic valuation of a deposit and to better plan exploration and mining operations.

Summary of research methods for porosity and permeability of coalbed methane reservoir

In order to serve the research on the physical properties of coalbed methane reservoirs and improve the prediction effect of porosity and permeability of coal reservoirs, this paper, based on a large number of literature research, summarizes the concepts, influencing factors and prediction methods of coal seam porosity and permeability. The research shows that the main factors affecting the porosity of coalbed methane reservoir are coal petrographic composition, metamorphic degree, coal body structure and buried depth, compaction, tectonism, etc; The main influencing factors of permeability include component content, coal rank, coal body structure and in-situ stress, buried depth of coal seam, natural fracture of coal seam, matrix shrinkage, Klinkenberg effect, etc. The porosity prediction of coalbed methane reservoir generally adopts true and apparent relative density method, in addition, there are multiple regression method based on logging information, nuclear magnetic resonance logging method, etc; The measurement methods of CBM reservoir permeability mainly include the calculation method based on conventional logging, triaxial stress experimental research method, joint prediction method of nuclear magnetic resonance and electrical imaging logging, dynamic data analysis method and numerical simulation method. The development of coal seam porosity and permeability prediction technology needs innovative breakthroughs in hardware and software.

INVESTIGATION OF IGNITION AND THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF COAL FUEL, WASTE AND SAWDUST OF DIFFERENT DEGREES OF METAMORPHISM BASED ON MACHINE LEARNING METHODS

An experimental study of the thermal decomposition of coal fuel, waste, and sawdust of different degrees ofmetamorphism using a simultaneous thermal analyzer (STA) has been carried out. The heating rates in STA experiments were set at 5°C/min, 10°C/min, 20°C/min, and 30°C/min. A comparative analysis of machine learning algorithms for predicting the thermal decomposition of coal fuel is shows that a mathematical model based on an artificial neural network model can accurately simulate thermogravimetric (TG) mass loss curves for various fuels and refined products with an average coefficient of determination of 99%.

Effect of the quality indices of coal on its grindability

Purpose is to determine the effect of quality indices of coal characterized by different degrees of metamorphism as well as petrographic and ultimate composition on the values of its grindability defined by the Protodyakonov and Hardgrove methods. Methods. 14 coal samples being a part of the raw material base of coking and chemical enterprises of Ukraine were studied. In terms of the samples, the parameters of technical, petrographic, and ultimate analysis were identified. GOST 21153.1-75 Rocks. Method of determining the Protodyakonov strength coefficient and ISO 5074:2015 Bituminous coal. Determination of Hardgrove grindability index were used to identify coal grindability. Graphical and mathematical dependencies between the indices of coal quality (R0, Vdaf, Cdaf, Oddaf) and values of its grindability (f and HGI) were developed. Findings. The obtained mathematical and graphic dependencies of the effect of different indices of coal quality (R0, Vdaf, Cdaf, Oddaf) on the values of its grindability (f and HGI) were obtained. It is shown that dependence of coal quality indices with its strength coefficient (f) is much lower (R2 = 0.550-0.716) than with the Hardgrove grindability index (HGI): R2 = 0.807-0.937. Originality. For the first time, comparative measurements of coal grindability according to the Protodyakonov and Hardgrove methods have been performed. It has been identified that the value of these indices are inversely proportional and described by a second-order polynom. Practical implications. The obtained graphical and mathematic dependencies can be used to predict the operation of crushing equipment for both individual coal and the one of different grade and ultimate composition at coking-chemical and heat-producing enterprises.

REGIONAL METAMORPHISM AND STRATIGRAPHY OF THE BASEMENT OF UKRAINIAN SHIELD

Stratigraphic complexes of the Lower Precambrian are everywhere metamorphosed. That is why the stratigraphic dismemberment of the Lower Precambrian has always been inextricably linked with the study of metamorphism. For some time, metamorphism was even used as a sign of the relative age of stratigenic metamorphic complexes according to the principle – “the higher the degree of metamorphism, the older the complex”. The high-temperature complexes of granulite and amphibolite facies belonged to the Archean, while the less metamorphosed complexes belonged to the Proterozoic. But already at the beginning of the widespread use of methods of isotope dating of metamorphic shield complexes, the most ancient age determinations were obtained from weakly metamorphosed complexes. After that, the degree of metamorphism was no longer taken into account in the stratigraphic dismemberment of the shield basement. The degree of metamorphism of the complexes has not been taken into account for a long ago when compiling official stratigraphic schemes of the Precambrian of the Ukrainian Shield, in which isotope dating plays a leading role. This led, according to many geologists, to distortions in the schemes of the real stratigraphy of the basement of the region. The authors of the article believe that the degree of metamorphism can still be used in the development of the stratigraphy of the Ukrainian Shield and, above all, in the stratigraphic study of individual megablocks. The possibility of such use of metamorphism is considered in the cycle of publications in which this is the first article. The article presents the characteristics of stratigraphy and metamorphism of all megablocks of the Ukrainian Shield. In the structure of the megablocks of the Ukrainian Shield, as well as all the shields of ancient platforms, the following stratigenic metamorphic complexes of the Lower Precambrian have been established, differing in the type and degree of metamorphism: a) granulite-gneiss, b) amphibolite-gneiss, c) greenstone (metavolcanogenic), d) ferruginoussiliceous- shale (metavolcanogenic-chemogenic-terrigenous), e) gneiss-shale (metacarbonate-terrigenous). It has been established that in all megablocks granulite-gneiss complexes are represented and are the most ancient, and all younger complexes are always less metamorphosed than the previous ones. Thus, the relationship between the degree of metamorphism and relative age in individual megablocks is preserved, but this feature cannot be extended to the entire shield. Coeval complexes of neighboring megablocks may have different degrees of metamorphism, and younger complexes of one of the megablocks are sometimes more intensely metamorphosed than older ones in the neighboring megablock.

Experimental Study on Fractal Characteristics of Adsorption Pore Structure of Coal

The adsorption pore structure is the key affecting the technology of enhanced coal bed methane recovery (ECBM). In this paper, nitrogen adsorption measurement (NAM) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods are used to test the structural parameters of adsorption pores of four coal samples with different metamorphic degrees. Combining with the fractal theory, the applicability and the physical significance of fractal dimensions obtained from different models are analyzed. Finally, the main factors affecting the complexity of the pore size structure and the influence of fractal characteristics on the adsorption properties of coal are discussed. The results show that with the increase in the degree of metamorphism, the ranking order of the volume and the specific surface area of adsorption pores of four coal samples are long flame coal > anthracite > gas coal > coking coal. The fractal dimension D2 calculated by the Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) fractal model ranges from 2.5 to 2.9, representing the degree of the pore surface irregularity, and D3 calculated by the FHH fractal model ranges from 2.004 to 2.037, representing the complexity of pore size distribution. There is no clear quantitative relationship between the fractal dimension and the single structure parameters of adsorption pores. The more the pore diameter distribution is concentrated in the range of 2–5 nm, the larger the fractal dimension is, the higher the complexity of adsorption pore structure is; D2, which represents the irregularity of the surface of coal, has a good linear positive correlation with the maximum adsorption capacity of N2.

Palaeomagnetic investigations across Hinlopenstretet border zone: from Caledonian metamorphosed rocks of Ny Friesland to foreland facies of Nordaustlandet (NE Svalbard)

New demagnetization results of 286 palaeomagnetic specimens from 15 sites in Neoproterozoic–Lower Paleozoic sequences of Ny Friesland–Nordaustlandet (the Caledonian Eastern Svalbard Terrane) are presented. New in situ 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ultraviolet mass spectrometry (Uv-MS) age determinations on amphibolites and mylonites from the Ny Friesland cluster in the 340–460 Ma interval correspond broadly to the Caledonian thermal event. Older ages are observed but are more scattered and probably reflect partial resetting or argon gain of Proterozoic micas. Palaeomagnetic, petrological and structural data confirm a west to east decrease in the degree of the Caledonian metamorphism and remagnetization across Hinlopenstretet, which is interpreted here to coincide with the limit of Caledonian east-directed overthrusting. No pre-Caledonian palaeomagnetic record was identified in investigated amphibolites and metacarbonates of Ny Friesland. Pre-folding pre-Caledonian, potentially Neoproterozoic (primary?) magnetization was recognized only in non-metamorphosed Murchisonfjorden (Nordaustlandet) carbonates. However, selective palaeomagnetic palaeopoles from Murchisonfjorden also fall into Caledonian sensu lato and Mesozoic sectors of the Laurussia reference path. This also indicates that regions east of Hinlopenstretet and east of the Caledonian front could be partially subjected to Caledonian remagnetization. Mesozoic palaeomagnetic overprints are potentially related to the injection of Mesozoic dolerites in eastern Svalbard. Here, we discuss two concepts of post-Caledonian rotations that could affect the palaeomagnetic record of the Eastern Svalbard Terrane: rotations around vertical axes related to strike-slip faults and rotations around horizontal axes related to normal listric faults that originated during extension in the Devonian basin and the opening of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Supplementary material: (1) A detailed description of applied rock-magnetic and palaeomagnetic procedures, (2) detailed description of investigated geochronological samples, (3) in situ Uv-MS 40 Ar/ 39 Ar isotopic age determination results, (4) mineralogy of ferromagnetic phases, (5) hysteresis parameters, (6) distribution of the NRM components and great circles in palaeomagnetic sites and (7) anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6132018