Photothermal method of determining calorific properties of coal

Patent · Mon May 16 00:00:00 EDT 1983

OSTI ID:6889501

Amer, N M

Predetermined amounts of heat are generated within a coal sample by directing pump light pulses of predetermined energy content into a small surface region of the sample. A beam of probe light is directed along the sample surface and deflection of the probe beam from thermally induced changes of index of refraction in the fluid medium adjacent the heated region are detected. Deflection amplitude and the phase lag of the deflection, relative to the initiating pump light pulse, are indicative of the calorific value and the porosity of the sample. The method provides rapid, accurate and nondestructive analysis of the heat producing capabilities of coal samples. In the preferred form, sequences of pump light pulses of increasing durations are directed into the sample at each of a series of minute regions situated along a raster scan path enabling detailed analysis of variations of thermal properties at different areas of the sample and at different depths.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Application Number: ON: DE84011089
• OSTI ID: 6889501
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
COAL
CALORIFIC VALUE
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PHOTOMETERS
THERMAL ANALYSIS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MATERIALS
010600* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Properties & Composition
440300 - Miscellaneous Instruments- (-1989)