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Self-heating can be understood and controlled

Journal Article · · J. Coal Qual.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5495630
A discussion of the phenomena of self-heating of coal was presented. Self-heating of coal is undesirable because it can lead to spontaneous combustion, generation of carbon monoxide, and a loss of calorific value. The coal characteristics known to have an effect on the self-heating tendency include rank, pyritic sulfur, particle size (surface area), and moisture content. The order of coal ranks for increasing self-heating tendency is anthracitic, bituminous, sub-bituminous, then lignitic. Self-heating tendency also increases with increasing content of pyritic sulfur, decreasing particle size, and decreasing moisture content. The external variables affecting the self-heating tendency of coals are external heat, accessibility of air, and external humidity.
Research Organization:
Technical Services, Ashland Coal, Inc.
OSTI ID:
5495630
Journal Information:
J. Coal Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Coal Qual.; (United States) Vol. 2:2; ISSN JCQUD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English