Investigations of coal quality parameters and its application in coal utilizations

Coals are heterogeneous combustible sedimentary rocks made by the decay and deposition of organic and inorganic materials derived from plant parts in past geological processes. The major elemental constituents of coal consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with lesser amounts of sulphur and nitrogen. Inorganic coal constituents like ash, are mostly derived from ash-forming compounds distributed throughout the coal. The Krishnshila coal mine selected for this study belongs to NCL (Northern Coalfields Limited).Five coal samples were collected and analyzed for their proximate, ultimate analysis, and gross calorific value estimation. According to laboratory analysis, the gross calorific values of these coals fall into the G-7, G8, G9, and G-6 grades, which determine the fuel's energy content, while the moisture content and carbon content define its heat value. Moisture content affects the burning power. Coals are bituminous in nature, medium to high in volatiles. After the beneficiation, coal KLS-4 and KLS-5 can be used in coke-based industries. This study will help in the better utilization of theses coal in various industries.