Physico-Chemical Characterization and Speciation of Sulphur of Nigerian Coal Samples
- 1 Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- 2 Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- 3 Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Studies of physico-chemical characterization, and chemical speciation of sulphur of seven Nigerian coal samples have been undertaken. The seven coal samples originated from South-east, North-central and North-east of Nigeria where there are proven economic deposits of this mineral. Moisture content, bulk density, percentage ash and loss of mass on ignition of all the coal samples were determined. The ultimate analysis of the raw coal, the corresponding coal ash as well as sulphur content of all samples were carried out with the aid of X-ray fluorescence technique (XRF). The major elements were Fe, Ca and S while the minor metals were K, Sc, Zn, Ni, Ti and Zr. Other metals including Ga, Cu, Mn, Cr and V were found in traces. The Nickel/Vanadium ratio which is a means of providing information on the source rock depositional environment ranged between 8.8 - 32.9. Three different source rock depositional environments were deduced for the coals from their nickel/vanadium ratios, while the calculated values of V/(V+Ni) suggested that they were all formed under oxic condition. The three chemical species of sulphur, sulphate, pyritic and organic sulphur in the seven coal samples were determined using the ASTM method.
- B. G. Miller, “Coal Energy Systems,” Elsevier Academic Press, Burlington, 2005, p. 1.
- http://www.ket.org/Trips/Coal/AGSMM/agsmmtypes.html
- K. S. Ryoo, J. Choi and Y. P. Hong, “Analysis of Sulfur in Coal and Coal Desulfurization by Counterflow Oxida- tive Treatment,” Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society, Vol. 21, No. 8, 2000, pp. 828-830.
- W. H. Calkins, “The Chemical Forms of Sulfur in Coal: A Review,” Fuel, Vol. 73, No. 4, 1994, pp. 475-484. doi:10.1016/0016-2361(94)90028-0
- W. Wise, “Coal, Water, Fuel Technology,” Workshop US Departmnet of Energy, Pittsburgh, ETCtr-Report-NO. BNL 51427. Pittsburgh, 1981.
- M. Constanti, J. Giralt and A. Bordons, “Desulphuriza- tion of Dibenzothiophene by Bacteria,” World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, Vol. 10, No. 5, 1994, pp. 510-516. doi:10.1007/BF00367655
- J. Klein, M. Van Afferden, F. Pfeifer and S. Schacht, “Microbial Desulfurization of Coal and Oil,” Fuel Proc- essing Technology, Vol. 40, No. 2-3, 1994, pp. 297-310. doi:10.1016/0378-3820(94)90152-X
- Y. Kadioglu, S. Bayrukceken and M. Gulaboglu, “The Removal of Organic Sulfur from Two Turkish Lignites by Chlorinolysis,” Turkish Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 22, No. 2, 1998, pp. 129-136.
- P. Prayuenyong, “Coal Biodesulfurization Processes,” Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2002, pp. 493-507.
- S. Ratanakandilok, S. Ngamprasertsith and P. Prasas- sarakich, “Coal Desulfurization with Methanol/Water and Methanol/KOH,” Fuel, Vol. 80, No. 13, 2001, pp. 1937- 1942. doi:10.1016/S0016-2361(01)00047-3
- A. T. M. Mehliss, “Sulphur in South African Coal,” De- partment of Mineral and Energy Affairs Report, The Bureau, Johannesburg, 1987.
- G. F. Morrison, “Chemical Desulfurization of Coal,” IEA Coal Research, London, 1981, pp. 43-45.
- http://www.tradeinvestnigeria.com/investment_opportunities/724113.html
- G. R. Blake and K. H. Hartage, “Bulk Density,” In A. Klute, Ed., Methods of Soil Analysis, part I, physical and mineralogical methods. Agronomy monograph, 2nd Edi- tion, 1986, pp. 363-375.
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), “Annual Book of Standards, D2492-02,” Standard Test Methods for Forms of Sulphur in Coal, American Society for Testing and Materials, Pennsylvania, 2007.