Effect of Different Size Fractions on Coal Properties.

Coal is one of the main sources of energy in many parts of the world and has one of the largest reserves amongst all the nonrenewable energy sources. The effect of different size fractions of coal was analyzed by taking into account three types of coal namely, Australian Hard, prime coking coal (PCC) and medium coking coal (MCC). Various tests were helped in understanding the effect of different size fractions on coal properties. The bulk density of the master sample of all the three coals was found to be the average of the three size fractions i.e. +6 mm, +3.2 mm and –3.2 mm, respectively. The bulk density of all the three size fraction of coal decreased with decrease in size fractions. Also, a decrease in void spaces between the coal samples with decrease in size fraction was observed. Proximate analysis, crucible swelling number (CSN) and low temperature Gray King (LTGK) tests showed the values of the master sample to be an average of the three size fractions. There was a significant increase in volatile matter with decrease in size fraction. Generally, coal ash tends to retained in higher size fraction in coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]