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With this study, the hydrocarbon generation potential of Miocene aged coals around Arguvan-Parçikan in the northern district of Malatya province was evaluated with the aid of petrological and organic geochemical data. According to organic petrography, coal quality data, and low thermal maturity, the Arguvan-Parçikan coals are of high-ash, high-sulfur subbituminous B/C rank. The organic fraction of the coals is mostly comprised of humic group macerals, with small percentages derived from the inertinite and liptinite groups. The mineral matter of the coals is comprised mainly of calcite and clay minerals. The total organic carbon (TOC, wt%) values of the shale and coal samples are between 2.61 wt% and 43.02 wt%, and the hydrogen index values are between 73 and 229 mg HC/g TOC. Pyrolysis (Tmax, PI), huminite/vitrinite reflectance (Ro, %), and biomarker ratios (CPI, Pr/Ph ratio, Ts/(Ts + Tm) ratio, C32 homohopane ratio (22S/22S + 22R) and C29ββ/(ββ + αα sterane ratio) indicate that the organic matter of the studied coals is thermally immature. When all these data are taken together, Miocene aged coals around Arguvan are suitable for hydrocarbon generation, especially gas, in terms of organic matter type (Type III and Type II/III mixed), organic matter amount (> 10 wt% TOC), however, low liptinitic macerals (< 15%–20%), low hydrogen index (< 200 mg HC/g TOC) and low thermal maturity values inhibit the hyrocarbon generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting industrial coal demand by using an econometric model. Industrial coal demand, both short term and long term, was examined with Autoregressive Distributed Lag Bounds Testing by using the annual data for the years 1985–2016 in Turkey. The variables of the model established in this context include: steam and coking coal consumption in the industrial sector; the price of steam and coking coal; real income per capita; heating degree days showing the climatic conditions; and the urbanization rate. In long-term analyses, industrial coal demand was found to be negatively and significantly affected by the price of coal and heating degree days, and positively and significantly affected by income. According to Autoregressive Distributed Lag analysis, for the steam coal demand model, the long-run income and price elasticities were calculated as 2.97 and –2.33, respectively. For the coking coal demand model, income elasticity was calculated at 1.88, in the long run. The price elasticity of steam coal demand was estimated to be smaller than 1 in short-term analyses. The results indicated that coal demand has negative and positive price and income elasticities, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses coal petrography, micro-FTIR, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses to determine the coal characteristics and controlling factors of elemental enrichments in the İsaalan coal (NW Turkey). The obtained data show that this subbituminous coal has a relatively low ash yield (avg. 19%), high hydrogen content (avg. 5.4%) and total S content (avg. 2.4%), on an air-dry basis. The maceral composition, along with micro-FTIR data on ulminite, suggests that lignin- and resin-rich vegetation was predominant. The coal facies data imply the precursor peat was accumulating under, mesotrophic anoxic conditions where water level was high and fluctuating. The mineralogical composition of the bulk coal samples is composed mainly of quartz, pyrite, and clay minerals and lesser amounts of feldspars and carbonates. The statistical analysis of the bulk compositional data shows the major elements, including Al, Fe, K, Na, Mg, P, and the vast majority of trace elements, have inorganic affinity, whereas B presumably has organic affinity. The trace element concentrations are variable, and especially As and elements including B, Ba, Cr, Cs, Ni, Sb, and V are enriched compared to most world coals. The enrichments and distributions of Cr, Cs, Ni, and V were controlled by clastic inputs into a palaeomire, whereas As enrichments were controlled mainly by epigenetic and, to a lesser extent, syngenetic factors. Introduced SO 4 2 − and As-rich surface- and groundwater from the basin margin area, along with anoxic conditions in the palaeomire, resulted in syngenetic formation of As-bearing pyrite. The circulating intra-seam solutions later liberated As from syngenetically formed pyrite, which resulted in As- and Ni-rich overgrowths around framboidal and massive pyrite crystals. These solutions could also easily mobilize B that was absorbed by organic matter. Therefore, B enrichment appears to be related to epigenetic factors. Tectonic activities during coalification allowed hydrothermal solutions from neighbouring epithermal mineralisation to penetrate and circulate along with underground waters that leached overlying volcanoclastic-volcanic strata and supplied a number of elements to the studied coal. Thus, infilling As-bearing pyrite and silica were formed mainly during coalification. All these results suggest that As-enrichment in the study area is more likely a combination of epigenetic factors and syngenetic-detrital rather than volcanogenic contributions, as suggested earlier for some other Turkish coal deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The Eocene coals, Turkey, were studied by geochemical methods. [•] Yeniçeltek and Eskiçeltek coals were deposited in suboxic lacustrine or lacustrine swamp. [•] Armutlu and Aspiras coals were deposited in paralic, suboxic marine swamps. [•] Salıpazarı coals were deposited in a suboxic lacustrine or lacustrine swamp. [•] Coals were of different ranks, i.e. we have lignite, subbituminous C, high volatile bituminous C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, low-quality Denizli-Kale lignite was mixed with a high-quality imported (Siberian) bituminous coal, and optimum briquetting conditions were investigated with a copolymer (Mowilith-VDM©) binder. In the briquetting tests, the effects of coal blends, pressure, amount of binder (copolymer, molasses, and lime contents), drying temperature, and drying time were investigated. According to the test results, it is possible to produce a briquette resistant to water and with enough mechanical strength as a first-quality product by using 50% lignite and 50% bituminous coal. Durable briquettes were produced with a 10% copolymer binder content, following pressing at 60 MPa and drying at 170°C for 45 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In Turkey, low-rank coal is used in three sectors: power generation industry, and household and commercial heating. Due to poor quality, coal is suitable for thermal power generation only. Kangal coal is of low-rank being mostly used in a thermal power station. Kangal coal basin, located in Eastern-central Turkey, formed in a Pliocene aged fresh-water lacustrine depositional environment and includes Kalburcayiri, Hamal and Etyemez Fields. Approximately 202.6Mt of coal reserve, with calorific values between 1010 and 3420kcal/kg are hosted in the area. Kalburcayiri Field is the only open pit production site in the basin. Fifty two channel samples were collected from different sites. The composite profile samples of the seams were taken into considerations. The content and depositional properties as well as some chemical and physical properties of the main coal seams are compared. Detailed organic petrographic and chemical analyses were applied for this study. All coal samples tend to have similar coal petrographic properties and were deposited in a lacustrine basin. Later, they were affected by faulting. As a result, there are variations in the properties and rank of the coal samples. The most abundant maceral group is huminite and the most abundant maceral is gelinite. Liptinite and inertinite contents of the coal are low and the maceral assemblage of the coals show extremely unusual. Broken and deformed maceral contents tend to be more abundant, considering the other Turkish coals. The maceral contents, textures and the unusual appearances imply that the coals were formed as in a hypautochtonous way. The reflectance measurements indicate the rank of the coals to be mostly as sub bituminous, although some chemical analyses exhibit inefficient results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is known that the concentration of elements of fly ash varies due to the used-coal and the used-lime qualities varying in different periods. In the Çan Thermal Power Plant (CTPP) located at northwestern Turkey, Çan (Çanakkale) basin coals, which are classified as lignite to sub-bituminous C coal with high total sulphur (0.4–12.22%) and a broad range of ash contents (3.2–44.6%) are mainly used. Performed studies reveal that some toxic elements exit in the coal, including As, U and V. Also, while the As, Cu, Co and Hg contents in coal increases, the sulphur contents in coal also increase. Additionally, trace elements that have inorganic compounds in coal are mobilized into air during the combustion process. This poses a big risk for human health and keeping the environment when Çan Basins low quality lignite is burned, it''s the fly ash that contains several toxic elements which can leach out and contaminate the water resources. In this study, toxicity tests were conducted on the fly ash samples that were obtained from the fluidized bed combustion of Çan Thermal Power Plant. The results showed that water temperature, pH and the quality of the limestone used were the most important factors affecting the leaching properties. Concentration of some toxic elements found in the fly ash, such as; As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Se and Zn were analyzed. Concentration richness of some heavy metals were attributed to the increase of water temperature, especially when pH is lower than 5. At pH=5 value, there is no clear explanation of each heavy metal presence in the fly ash from fluidized bed combustion thermal power plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to study aggloflotation of a mixture of subbituminous coal and gangue minerals using Sirnak asphaltite and concentrate obtained from Zonguldak bituminous coal. For this purpose, experimental studies were conducted on a mixture containing subbituminous coal, pyrite, quartz, and calcite. The effects of Sirnak asphaltite and the concentrate obtained from Zonguldak bituminous coal (the C-Z sample) rates, solid concentration, pH, bridging liquid dosage, and frother amount on the aggloflotation were investigated. Aggloflotation results showed that a concentrate containing 3.05% total sulfur and 31.55% ash with a total sulfur reduction of 56.43% was obtained from the mixture in the usage of the C-Z sample and a concentrate containing 3.23% total sulfur and 30.90% ash with a total sulfur reduction of 53.86% was obtained from the mixture in the usage of the asphaltite sample. The best aggloflotation conditions applied to Hazro subbituminous coal containing high ash and sulfur content in the Mediterranean sea water and tap water. When the Mediterranean sea water was used as an aggloflotation medium, a concentrate containing 3.17% total sulfur and 38.67% ash with a total sulfur reduction of 54.91% was obtained from Hazro subbituminous coal in the usage of the C-Z sample. The influence of the Mediterranean sea water on the removal of total sulfur was found to be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey, especially Zonguldak on the West Coast of Black Sea region, has large reserves of bituminous coal that can be used either directly or in blends with other coals for metallurgical coke production. It is possible to predict the coking properties of these coals by petrographic analysis. In this study, semi- and non-coking coals were blended with coking bituminous coals in varying proportions and an estimation was made as to their stability factors through petrographic techniques. It was established that semi- and non-coking bituminous coals could be used in the production of metallurgical coke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model-free kinetic approaches were employed to investigate the combustion kinetics of coals with different ranks, namely, lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite. The experimental data were provided under non-isothermal conditions at different heating rates in the range of 2-25°C min-1. The activation energy values were estimated by two model-free methods, that is, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods. Slightly higher activation energy values were obtained by Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method at a wide range of conversion extent. Variation of activation energy was found to be comparably more significant for lower rank lignite (between 44.82 and 287.56 kJ mol-1) while less significant for higher rank bituminous coal (between 101.97 and 155.64 kJ mol-1) and anthracite (between 106.04 and 160.31 kJ mol-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studied area is a lake basin located in Bolu basin in Turkey. In the basin, from Upper Cretaceous to Upper Miocene 3,000-m thickness sediments were deposited. Upper Miocene Himmetoglu formation consisted of sandstone, claystone, and marl. To the middle level of the formation are located coal, bituminous limestone, and bituminous shales. In the basin, there are two coal beds whose thicknesses range from 1 to 13 m. The coals are easily breakable and black in color. In the coal beds exists some bituminous limestone and bituminous shales, and their thicknesses are between 5 and 45 cm. The amount of organic matter of the bituminous rocks from the Upper Miocene Himmetoglu formation are between 6.83 and 56.34 wt%, and the amount of organic matter of the bituminous limestone from the formation are between 13.58 and 57.16 wt%. These values indicate that these rocks have very good source potential. According to hydrogen index (HI), S2/S3, HI-Tmax, and HI-OI (oxygen index) parameters, kerogen types of the bituminous rocks and coals belonging to Upper Miocene Himmetoglu formation are Type I, Type II, and Type III. In accordance with HI, S2/S3, HI-Tmax, and HI-OI parameters, the bituminous rocks and coals from the Upper Miocene Himmetoglu formation are mostly immature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combustion characteristics of coking, semicoking, and noncoking Turkish bituminous coal samples from Zonguldak basin were investigated applying differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) techniques. Results were compared with that of the coke from Zonguldak bituminous coal, a Turkish lignite sample from Soma, and a Siberian bituminous coal sample. The thermal data from both techniques showed some differences depending on the proximate analyses of the samples. Noncombustible components of the volatile matter led to important changes in thermal behavior. The data from both methods were evaluated jointly, and some thermal properties were interpreted considering these methods in a complementary combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey started its history of bituminous coal with its discovery in 1829 in the Zonguldak Basin in Northwest Turkey. Today, the Zonguldak Basin contains almost 99% of the country's estimated 1.4 thousand million tons of bituminous coal reserves. Coal is mined by underground methods in five districts-Karadon, Üzülmez, Kozlu, Armutcuk and Amasra. The chemical or coking properties of the coal to be consumed in the production of coke has to be established in a laboratory on a small scale before being dispatched to the coke producing plant. Thus, the amount and properties of the coke and its byproducts can be predicted as accurately as possible. The Jenkner High Temperature Carbonization System is one of the systems suggested to this end. This system can be operated at up to 1100°C and is designed so to make it possible to estimate the yield of the coke as well as the quantity of its byproducts. The research was carried out on the samples extracted from eleven seams of bituminous coal most widely mined in the Zonguldak Basin. The coke obtained by means of carbonization was chemically analyzed and the composition of the coke gas was established by means a gas chromatograph. In addition, a study was carried out on the effects of the chemical and petrographic properties of the coal seams on the composition of the coke, tar and the coke gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three Miocene-age coal seams - a lower seam (kM2, subbituminous), a middle seam (kM3, subbituminous), and an upper seam (kP1, lignite) - in the Kınık coalfield, located in the southwesternmost part of the Soma Basin in western Turkey, and factors controlling mesoporosity and microporosity characteristics, were investigated using low-pressure N 2 and CO 2 adsorption techniques, respectively. In addition, this study is also aimed to compare controlling factors on meso- and microporosity characteristics of Soma Basin and Late Carboniferous Zonguldak, and Late Miocene-Pliocene Dombayova Basins. It is found that distinct differences with regard to meso- and microporosity exist among the three seams (kM2, kM3 and kP1) investigated in the Kınık coalfield. Specifically, samples from kP1 have greater mesopore surface areas and volumes than those from kM3. In addition, samples from the upper part of kM2 have significantly lower mesopore surface area and volume than from the lower part of this seam and from kM3 and kP1. Samples from the lower part of kM2 have higher meso- and micropore surface area and volume values than kM3 and kP1 samples. The increase in mesopore surface area and volume, along with the increase in ash yield toward the lower part of kM2, suggests that mesoporosity characteristics in this seam appear to be controlled mainly by mineral matter content. The results of this study show that meso- and micropore surface area and volume of Miocene subbituminous coal (kM2) in Kınık and Eynez coalfields of the Soma Basin have higher values than lignite from the Dombayova Basin and bituminous coal from the Zonguldak Basin. The differences in mesopore characteristics between the Soma and the Zonguldak Basins could be related to differences in rank. In addition, the mesoporosity of coal seams in the Dombayova Basin is more similar to seams in the Zonguldak Basin. These conflicting data suggest that rank might not be a controlling factor on the meso- and micropore characteristics of the basins investigated in this paper. Nevertheless, the common presence of structured huminite macerals in the Soma Basin seems to have caused relatively higher microporosity surface area and volume values, whereas the common presence of illite, particularly in the lower parts of kM2, resulted in higher values of mesopore surface area and volume in the Soma Basin samples. Consequently, maceral and mineralogical compositions of the studied Turkish coals seem to exert major controls on meso- and micropore characteristics. • Meso- and microporosity of selected Turkish lignite, subbituminous and bituminous coals have been studied. • Mesopore size of low-rank (subbituminous A) kM2 seam in Kınık coalfield controlled by structured huminite macerals. • Mesoporosity characteristics are mainly related to mineralogy of the studied Turkish coals. • Microporosity of the studied Turkish coals is mainly controlled by structured (e.g. telohuminite/telovitrinite) macerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the organic geochemical properties, paleo vegetation, and paleo depositional environment of coals in Denizli (SW Turkey). Organic geochemical and petrographic investigations, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and palynological and stable isotope (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N, δ18O and δ34S) investigations have been performed. Coal, clayey coal, and coaly claystone samples from the study area have gas and oil production potential according to their total organic carbon (0.59–48.30 wt%), hydrogen index (56–286 mg HC/g TOC), oxygen index (30–121 mg CO 2 /g TOC) and S 2 /S 3 (0.47–9.59) values. Dominant maceral assemblages included huminites and low amounts of liptinite group macerals. Tissue preservation index (0.39–5.13), gelification index (4.11–96.83), groundwater index (0.40–8.77) and vegetation index (0.49–42.67) parameters indicate a limno-telmatic environment and increased woody tissue. Mean random huminite/vitrinite reflectance values (ranging from 0.23 to 0.41 %Ro) denote lignite and sub-bituminous C and B ranked coals. Carpinus , Alnus , Zelkova , Platanus-Salix , Carya , and Ostrya were found through palynologic investigations. In addition, freshwater algae B otryococcus was detected in coal samples from Denizli. δ13C, δ15N values and C/N ratios indicated a terrestrial C3 ecosystem. Some sterane and tricyclic terpane ratios and aromatic biomarkers have shown that high plant input, immature organic matter and oxic-suboxic conditions are predominant in the depositional environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pliocene coal, clayey coal, and coaly claystone sediments from the Yatağan Formation (Denizli Basin, southwestern Turkey) have been investigated with respect to maceral association, mineralogical composition, n -alkane, isoprenoid and saturated-aromatic biomarker characteristics, and stable isotopes (2H, 13C, 15N, 18O, and 34S). The main purpose of the present study was to determine the hydrocarbon potential and paleodepositional conditions of coals in the Denizli Basin. The abundances of huminite, liptinite, and inertinite macerals were 46.14%, 8.06%, and 1.57%, respectively. The huminite/vitrinite reflectances (%Ro) of the coal, clayey coal, and coaly claystone samples ranged between 0.26 and 0.37 %Ro, implying sub-bituminous B and C coal ranks. The total organic C (TOC, wt.%) content and the T max values of the investigated samples ranged between 0.74 and 43.80 wt% and 390–440 °C, respectively. In addition, the coaly horizons were characterized by very low H index (HI), O index (OI), production index (PI), and T max values. Moreover, a high waxiness degree, C preference index (CPI), odd-to-even predominance (OEP), terrigenous/aquatic ratio (TAR), and high C 19 tricyclic terpane/C 23 tricyclic terpane (C 19 /C 23 TT) and C 24 tetracyclic terpane/C 26 tricyclic terpane (C 24 */C 26 TT) biomarker ratios indicated a terrestrial plant input. These results were supported by stable isotope (2H, 13C, and 15N) investigations. Although the Pliocene coals have source rock potential according to the TOC content and pyrolysis analyses, they have been determined to be at the diagenesis and immature stages as a result of organic petrographic, and saturated-aromatic biomarker investigations. • Coals from Denizli have gas potential and can not reach adequate thermal maturity. • δ13C and δ15N values indicate the woody plants in terrestrial C3 ecosystem. • Coal samples are deposited at the oxic-suboxic conditions. • Huminite macerals are dominant in the coal samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Çatalağzı Thermal Power Plant (ÇTPP) (41°30′48.4″ and 0.31°53′41.5″E) is located at nearly 13 km North-east of Zonguldak city, which is located at the West Black Sea coast in Turkey. The middling products with high ash content of bituminous coals are used in this plant. Seasonal radon concentration measurements have been carried out by using CR-39 plastic track detectors in and around the ÇTPP. The annual average radon concentration has been found to vary from a minimum of 39.8±28.9 Bq m3 in the ash area to a maximum of ~75.0±15.7 Bq m-3 in the service building of the power plant. The annual average radon concentration in the dwellings of the thermal power plant colony of the plant is 71.0±33.4 Bq m-3. The effective dose has been found to vary from 0.38 to 0.71 mSv y -1 with a mean value of 0.56 mSv y-1, which is lower than the effective dose values 3-10 mSv given as the range of action levels recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection: Protection against radon-222 at home and at work, ICRP Publication 65 (1993). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kale-Tavas sub-basin, which is the south-western part of the Lycian Molasse Basin, SW Turkey, hosts several coal seams of Late Oligocene, Early and Middle Miocene age within, respectively, the Mortuma, Yenidere, and Sekköy Formations. This study aims to determine coal rank, mineralogical, and geochemical features of the coal seams, and to ascertain factors controlling the mineralogical distribution and elemental enrichment. The distinct differences among the studied coal seams refer to mean random huminite/vitrinite reflectance (Rr). The highest Rr values (0.63–0.69%) are measured on the Late Oligocene Tavas coal, whereas the lowest Rr values (0.26–0.27%) were recorded in the Middle Miocene Narlı coal. Similar mineralogical assemblages were found in all the studied coal seams; however, aluminosilicate minerals are dominant to abundant phases in the coal from the Mortuma and Yenidere Formations, while carbonate minerals are the dominant phases in the coal from the Sekköy Formation. Accordingly, aluminosilicate-related elements (e.g. Al, K, Ti, and Li) display relatively higher concentrations in the studied coal seams from the Mortuma and Yenidere Formations, whereas relatively high-Ca concentrations and depletion of aluminosilicate-affiliated elements were recorded in the coal of the Sekköy Formation. Furthermore, Ni, Mo, and U are relatively enriched in all the studied seams, while relative B-enrichment is identified in the coal seams of the Mortuma and Yenidere Formations, and these seem to be related to possible marine influence of the palaeomires during Late Oligocene and Early Miocene and/or the occurrence of specific B-bearing aluminosilicate minerals. Also, U and Mo enrichments in the Narlı coal may be related with the development of anoxic conditions within the palaeomires during the Middle Miocene. Other indicators for anoxic conditions are framboidal pyrite grains and accessory Ni-bearing iron sulphides in all the studied samples. Although coal-bearing formations in the Kale-Tavas sub-basin deposited under different sedimentary environment, as the source areas for sediment supply of the coal seams remained the same during the Late Oligocene to Early Miocene, the mineralogical composition and elemental enrichment of the coal were mainly controlled by clastic inputs and redox conditions within the palaeomires; to a lesser extent a possible marine influence might have contributed to elemental enrichment. • First mineralogical and elemental data from Late Oligocene, Early and Middle Miocene coal seams in the Kale-Tavas sub-basin. • The Late Oligocene bituminous coal seam in the south-western Anatolia is for the first time documented. • Rank variations are controlled by burial depths of coal seams and presence of the H-rich compounds. • Mineralogical compositions and elemental enrichments are controlled by clastic inputs and redox conditions in palaeomires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]