Study of oxidization of coal–pitch by O_3

For the purpose of obtaining small molecular and oxygen-containing aromatic compounds,taking a toluene-extracted coal pitch as the research object,the oxidation of coal–pitch by ozone(O_3) in formic acid was studied.The coal–pitch sample and the oxidized pitch residue were characterized by elementary analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),while the small molecular products were analyzed by a gas chromatography–mass spectrometer(GC–MS).The results show that the highest oxygen content of oxidized coal pitch had been acquired at a reaction temperature of 50 °C,an O_3 flow rate of6300 mg/h and a reaction time of 4 h.Quite a lot of hydroxyls and carbonyls were introduced into the structure of the oxidized coal–pitch,while the small molecules produced mainly involve nonpolar aromatic compounds,aromatic anhydride and quinone compounds.It is speculated that the mechanism is direct electrophilic oxidation in which the molecules of O_3 directly attack the aromatic ring at its carbon atoms with high electron density,and then generate hydroxyl or carbonyl until the aromatic ring cracks.This study shows that O_3 can make the fused aromatic ring of coal–pitch become oxidized and depolymerized,and hence the ozonization of coal–pitch can be a potential method for obtaining oxygencontaining aromatic compounds.     

Fractal dimension of coal particles and their CH4 adsorption

We describe the fractal analysis of three differently sized coal samples (0.350–0.833 mm, 0.245–0.350 mm, and 0.198–0.245 mm). The influence of fractal dimension on CH₄ adsorption capacity is investigated. The physical parameters of the samples were determined via the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory. A CH₄ adsorption study over the pressures range from 0 to 5 MPa was carried out with a new volumetric measurement system. The CH₄ adsorption was measured using the differently sized coal. Two fractal dimensions, D₁ and D₂ were determined over the pressure ranges from 0 to 0.5 MPa and from 0.5 to 1 MPa, using the Frenkel-Halsey-Hill (FHH) method. We conclude that the two fractal dimensions correlate with the CH₄ adsorption capacity of the coal: increasing CH₄ adsorption capacity occurs with a corresponding increase in fractal dimension. Furthermore, D₁ and D₂ are positively correlated with surface area, pore volume, and samples size. The size distribution of the samples has fractal characteristics.     

Effect of temperature and stress on molecular structure and carbon monoxide generation of lignite from Kailuan mining area

In order to analyze the origin of carbon monoxide(CO) in coal seams, stress–strain experiments under temperature of 50, 150 and 250 °C were conducted using lignite from Kailuan mining area. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis were carried out before and after deformation of the samples. The results indicated that CO generated at 150 and 250 °C; the gas component was mostly oxygen(O_2), with small amount of carbon dioxide(CO_2), methane(CH_4) and hydrogen(H_2). At 50 °C, O_2 and a little CO_2 were observed and no CO was found. The carbon content of the coal samples increased slightly after deformation, and the oxygen content, H/C ratio, and O/C ratio decreased. The molecular structure of coal displayed different evolution characteristics at various temperatures. At 50 and 150 °C, the falling off of side chains, broken of ether bond and directional realignment of the aliphatic chains resulting in the formation of long chains were the main performance of coal molecular structure evolution. While at 250 °C, the side chains fell off and short chains formed. Furthermore, at both 150 and 250 °C, condensed degree of aromatic ring increased. Under the action of temperature and pressure, CO forms in two ways.The first is that ether bond breaks, oxygen and carbon atoms combine together and forms CO, or O_2 forming in the broken of ether–oxygen bond leads to the oxidation of free radicals and resulting in the formation of CO. And the second is that CO derives from falling off of C=O group.     

Surface properties of activated carbon from different raw materials

Activated carbons (ACs) with different surface properties were prepared from different raw materials. N₂ adsorption, pH value, Boehm titration, Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and FTIR were employed to characterize the pore structure and surface chemical properties of the ACs. The results show that AC from bituminous coal (AC-B) has more meso-pores, higher pH value, more carboxylic groups and basic site than ACs from coconut shell and hawthorn(AC-C, AC-H). Oxygen in the mixture gas has great effect on SO₂ catalytic oxidation/oxidation ability of AC-B. In the absence of oxygen, the adsorbed SO₂ on AC-B is 0.16 mmol/g and the conversion ratio of adsorbed SO₂ to SO₃ is 22.07%; while in the presence of oxygen, the adsorbed amount of SO₂ is 0.42 mmol/g, and all of the adsorbed SO₂ was totally converted to SO₃. This feature of AC-B is consistent with its higher pH value, basic site and the reaction ability with H₂ from TPR. The conversion ratios of SO₂ absorbed on both AC-C and AC-H were 100%, respectively.     

Modeling and process optimization for microbial desulfurization of coal by using a two-level full factorial design

The microbial sulfur removal was investigated on high sulfur content (1.9%) coal concentrate from Tabas coal preparation plant. A mixed culture of ferrooxidans microorganisms was isolated from the tailing dam of the plant. Full factorial method was used to design laboratory test and to evaluate the effects of pH, particle size, iron sulfate concentration, pulp density, and bioleaching time on sulfur reduction. Statistical analyses of experimental data were considered and showed increases of pH and particle size had negative effects on sulfur reduction, whereas increases of pulp density and bioleaching time raised microbial desulfurization rate. According to results of designing, and regarding statistical factors, the optimum values for maximum sulfur reduction were obtained; pH (1.5), particle size (?180 μm), iron sulfate concentration (2.7 mmol/L), pulp density (10%) and bioleaching time (14 d), which leaded to 51.5% reduction from the total sulfur of sample.     

Deformed coal types and pore characteristics in Hancheng coalmines in Eastern Weibei coalfields

Based on SEM observance, the methods of low-temperature nitrogen and isothermal adsorption were used to test and analyze the coal samples of Hancheng, and pore structure characteristics of tectonic coals were discussed. The results indicate that in the same coal rank, stratification and crack are well developed in cataclastic coal, which is mostly filled by mineral substance in the geohydrologic element abundance, results in pore connectivity variation. Granulated and mylonitic coal being of these characteristics, as develop microstructures and exogenous fractures as well as large quantity of pores resulted from gas generation and strong impermeability, stimulate the recovery of seepage coal, improve coal connectivity and enhance reservoir permeability. Absorption pore (micro-pore) is dominant in coal pore for different coal body structure, the percentage of which pore aperture is from 1 to 100 nm is 71.44% to 88.15%, including large of micro-pore with the 74.56%–94.70%; with the deformation becoming more intense in the same coal rank, mesopore enlarge further, open-end pores become thin-neck-bottle-shaped pores step by step, specific surface area of micro-pore for cataclastic coal is 0.0027 m²/g, while mylonitic coal increases to 7.479 m²/g, micro-pore gradually play a dominant role in effecting pore structural parameters.     

A numerical simulation of the influence initial temperature has on the propagation characteristics of,and safe distance from,a gas explosion

A model roadway with a cross-sectional area of 80 mm × 80 mm and a length of 100 m was used to estimate the overpressure, the temperature, the density, and the combustion rate during an explosion. AutoReaGas software was used for the calculations and the initial temperatures were 248, 268, 308, or 328 K. The methane–air mixture had a fuel concentration of 9.5% and the tunnel had a filling ratio of 10%. The results show that the safe distance necessary to avoid harm from the shock wave increases with increasing initial temperature. The distance where the peak overpressure begins to rise, and where the maximum value occurs, increases as the initial temperature increases. These are almost linear functions of the initial temperature. At locations before shock wave attenuation has occurred increasing the initial temperature linearly increases the maximum temperature at each point following along the tunnel. At the same time, the peak overpressure, the maximum density, and the maximum combustion rate decrease linearly. However, after the shock wave has attenuated the attenuation extent of the peak overpressure decreases with an increase in initial temperature. The influence of the initial temperature on the explosion propagation depends on the combined effects of inhibiting and enhancing factors. The research results can provide a theoretical guidance for gas explosion disaster relief and treatment in underground coal mines.     

Preferential adsorption behaviour of CH4 and CO2 on high-rank coal from Qinshui Basin,China

In order to better understand the prevailing mechanism of CO₂ storage in coal and estimate CO₂ sequestration capacity of a coal seam and enhanced coalbed methane recovery (ECBM) with CO₂ injection into coal, we investigated the preferential adsorption of CH₄ and CO₂ on coals. Adsorption of pure CO₂, CH₄ and their binary mixtures on high-rank coals from Qinshui Basin in China were employed to study the preferential adsorption behaviour. Multiple regression equations were presented to predict CH₄ equilibrium concentration from equilibrium pressure and its initial-composition in feed gas. The results show that preferential adsorption of CO₂ on coals over the entire pressure range under competitive sorption conditions was observed, however, preferential adsorption of CH₄ over CO₂ on low-volatile bituminous coal from higher CH₄-compostion in source gas was found at up to 10 MPa pressure. Preferential adsorption of CO₂ increases with increase of CH₄ concentration in source gas, and decreases with increasing pressure. Although there was no systematic investigation of the effect of coal rank on preferential adsorption, there are obvious differences in preferential adsorption of gas between low-volatile bituminous coal and anthracite. The obtained preferential adsorption gives rise to the assumption that CO₂ sequestration in coal beds with subsequent CO₂-ECBM might be an option in Qinshui Basins, China.     

Surface magnetization of siderite mineral

Surface self-magnetization of siderite is achieved by generating ferromagnetic substance on the surface of siderite by adjusting slurry temperature, pH value, stirring rate and reaction time. No addition of any iron-containing reagent is required. The temperature of 60 °C, NaOH concentration of 0.10 mol/L; stirring rate of 900 r/min and the reaction time of 10 min are the optimal conditions. The results show that the siderite recovery in magnetic separation increased from 26.9% to 88.8% after surface magnetization. Magnetization kinetic equation is expressed as 1 ? [1 ? (? ? 0.269)]^1/3 = Kt. Activation energy for the magnetization reaction is 4.30 kJ/mol. VSM, SEM and XPS were used to characterize the siderite, and results show that the saturated magnetization (σ_s) of siderite increased from 0.652 to 2.569 A m²/kg, the magnetic hysteresis was detected with a coercive force of 0.976 A/m after magnetization; Fe2P3/2 electron binding energy changed which reflects the valence alteration in iron on the surface and the formation of ferromagnetic Fe₃O₄.     

Effect of the column height on the performance of liquid–solid fluidized bed for the separation of coarse slime

A liquid–solid fluidized bed separator, used for the separation of coarse slime, was developed. Test particles sized in the range from 0.25 to 0.5, 0.5 to 1.0, and 0.25 to 1.0 mm were separated in the liquid–solid fluidized bed. Beds with column heights of 1200, 1500, and 1800 mm were tried. The clean coal and the tailings were subsequently analyzed by float–sink testing. The results showed that the ash and yield of clean coal both decreased with increasing column height, for all three size fractions, and that the ash of the clean coal obtained from tests on the broader size fraction was less than that from the narrower sized fractions. The separation density decreased with increasing column height. The lowest E value was seen for a column height of 1500 mm, for which conditions the separation density was 1.45 g/cm³. The E value was 0.084 for the 0.25–0.5 mm fraction but the corresponding separation density was 1.48 g/cm³, and the E value 0.089, for the broader 0.25–1.0 mm fraction.     

Zonal extraction technology and numerical simulation analysis in open pit coal mine

In order to enhance coal recovery ratio of open pit coal mines, a new extraction method called zonal mining system for residual coal around the end-walls is presented. The mining system can improve economic benefits by exploiting haulage and ventilation roadways from the exposed position of coal seams by utilizing the existing transportation systems. Moreover, the main mining parameters have also been discussed. The outcome shows that the load on coal seam roof is about 0.307 MPa and the drop step of the coal seam roof about 20.3 m when the thickness of cover and average volume weight are about 120 m and 0.023 MN/m³ respectively. With the increase of mining height and width, the coal recovery ratio can be improved. However, when recovery ratio is more than 0.85, the average stress on the coal pillar will increase tempestuously, so the recovery ratio should also be controlled to make the coal seam roof safe. Based on the numerical simulation results, it is concluded that the ratio of coal pillar width to height should be more than 1.0 to make sure the coal pillars are steady, and there are only minor displacements on the end-walls.     

Study on “fracturing-sealing” integration technology based on high-energy gas fracturing in single seam with high gas and low air permeability

To improve the gas extraction efficiency of single seam with high gas and low air permeability, we developed the “fracturing-sealing” integration technology, and carried out the engineering experiment in the 3305 Tunliu mine. In the experiment, coal seams can achieve the aim of antireflection effect through the following process: First, project main cracks with the high energy pulse jet. Second, break the coal body by delaying the propellant blasting. Next, destroy the dense structure of the hard coal body, and form loose slit rings around the holes. Finally, seal the boreholes with the “strong–weak–strong” pressurized sealing technology. The results are as follows: The average concentration of gas extraction increases from 8.3% to 39.5%. The average discharge of gas extraction increases from 0.02 to 0.10 m³/min. The tunneling speeds up from 49.5 to 130 m/month. And the permeability of coal seams improves nearly tenfold. Under the same conditions, the technology is much more efficient in depressurization and antireflection than common methods. In other words, it will provide a more effective way for the gas extraction of single seam with high gas and low air permeability.     

Coal and rock fissure evolution and distribution characteristics of multi-seam mining

Henan Pingdingshan No.10 mine is prone to both coal and gas outbursts. The E_9–10 coal seam is the main coal-producing seam but has poor quality ventilation, thus making it relatively difficult for gas extraction. The F₁₅ coal seam, at its lower section, is not prone to coal and gas outbursts. The average seam separation distance of 150 m is greater than the upper limit for underside protective seam mining. Based on borehole imaging technology for field exploration of coal and rock fracture characteristics and discrete element numerical simulation, we have studied the evolution laws and distribution characteristics of the coal and rock fissure field between these two coal seams. By analysis of the influential effect of group F coal mining on the E_9–10 coal seam, we have shown that a number of small fissures also develop in the area some 150 m above the overlying strata. The width and number of the fissures also increase with the extent of mining activity. Most of the fissures develop at a low angle or even parallel to the strata. The results show that the mining of the F₁₅ coal seam has the effect of improving the permeability of the E_9–10 coal seam.     

Deformation mechanism of roadways in deep soft rock at Hegang Xing’an Coal Mine

Engineering geomechanics characteristics of roadways in deep soft rock at Hegang Xing’an Coal Mine were studied and the nature of clay minerals of roadway surrounding rock was analyzed. This paper is to solve the technical problems of high stress and the difficulty in supporting the coal mine, and provide a rule for the support design. Results show that mechanical deformation mechanisms of deep soft rock roadway at Xing’an Coal Mine is of I_ABII_ABCIII_ABCD type, consisting of molecular water absorption (the I_AB-type), the tectonic stress type + gravity deformation type + hydraulic type (the II_ABC-type), and the III_ABCD-type with fault, weak intercalation and bedding formation. According to the compound mechanical deformation mechanisms, the corresponding mechanical control measures and conversion technologies were proposed, and these technologies have been successfully applied in roadway supporting practice in deep soft rock at Xing’an Coal Mine with good effect. Xing’an Coal Mine has the deepest burial depth in China, with its overburden ranging from Mesozoic Jurassic coal-forming to now. The results of the research can be used as guidance in the design of roadway support in soft rock.     

Liberation characteristics of coal middlings comminuted by jaw crusher and ball mill

The associated minerals make coal middlings possess a relatively high ash content. Subsequent liberation through size reduction can cause recovery increase. However, effect of comminution facilities on mineral liberation of middlings was ignored. This paper studied the liberation characteristics of middlings crushed with different kinds of fragmentation forces. Middlings of ?3 mm + 0.5 mm sampled from a dense medium cyclone were comminuted by a jaw crusher and a ball mill to ?0.5 mm with similar size distribution respectively. The generating mechanism of fines was also analyzed. Full densimetric analyses indicate that mineral liberation of the product crushed by the jaw crusher is better than that by the ball mill at each fraction. For sizes of ?0.125 mm + 0.074 mm and ?0.074 mm, yields of the product with ash content 11% comminuted by jaw crusher are nearly 20% higher than that by the ball mill. Sectional micrographs observed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also show the same law for these two fractions and some intergrowth particles still exist in the fraction of ?0.5 mm + 0.25 mm.     

Constitutive model for methane desorption and diffusion based on pore structure differences between soft and hard coal

This paper aims to improve the accuracy and applicability of gas diffusion mathematical models from coal particles. Firstly, a new constitutive model for gas diffusion from coal particles with tri-disperse pore structure is constructed by considering the difference in characteristics between soft coal and hard coal.The analytical solution is then derived, that is, the quantitative relationship between gas diffusion rate(Qt/Q_∞) and diffusion time(t), The pore structure parameters of soft coal and hard coal from Juji coal mine are determined. Gas diffusion rules are numerically calculated and investigated by physical simulation methods. Lastly, the applicability of this model is verified. The results show that the homogeneous model only applies to the gas diffusion process of hard coal during the initial 10 min. The calculation results from this model and the physical experimental results of soft coal and hard coal are nearly identical during the initial 30 min.     

Greenhouse gas emissions from shallow uncovered coal seams

This study discusses a method of quantifying emissions from surface coal mining that has been trialled in Australia. The method is based on direct measurement of surface emissions from uncovered coal seams in mine pits, concurrent measurement of residual gas content of blasted coal in mine pits, and measurement of pre-mining gas content of the same seam from cores retrieved from exploration boreholes drilled away from active mining. The results from one of the mines studied are presented in this paper. In this mine, the pre-mining gas content of the target seam was measured using cores from an exploration borehole away from active mining. Gas content varied from 0.7 to 0.8 m³/t and gas composition varied from 16% to 21% CH₄ (84–79% CO₂). In-pit measurements included seam surface emissions and residual gas content of blasted and ripped coal. Residual gas content varied from 0.09 to 0.15 m³/t, less than twofold across the mine pit. Composition of the residual gas was in general 90% CO₂ and 10% CH₄, with slight variation between samples. Coal seam surface emissions varied from 1.03 to 7.50 mL of CO₂-e per minute and per square meter of the coal seam surface, a sevenfold variation across the mine pit.     

Pore structure characteristics of the relative water-resisting layer on the top of the Ordovician in Longgu Coal Mine

In order to study the permeability and water-resisting ability of the strata on the top of the Ordovician in Longgu Coal Mine, this paper tested the permeability and porosity of the strata, investigated the fracture and pore structure features of the strata, and identified the main channels which govern the permeability and water-resisting ability of the strata. The permeability of the upper, central and lower strata shows as 2.0504 × 10⁻³–2.782762 × 10⁻³, 4.1092 × 10⁻³–7.3387 × 10⁻³ and 2.0891 × 10⁻³–3.2705 × 10⁻³ μm², respectively, and porosity of that is 0.6786–0.9197%, 0.3109–0.3951% and 0.9829–1.8655%, respectively. The results indicate that: (1) the main channels of the relative water-resisting layer are the pore throats with a diameter more than 6 μm; (2) the major proportion of pore throats in the vertical flow channel and the permeability first increases and then sharply decreases; (3) the fractures occurring from the top to 20 m in depth of the strata were filled and there occurred almost no fracture under the depth of 40 m; and (4) the ratio of turning point of the main flow channel in the strata on top of Ordovician can be used to confirm the thickness of filled water-resisting layers.     

Combustion characteristics of semicokes derived from pyrolysis of low rank bituminous coal

Various semicokes were obtained from medium-low temperature pyrolysis of Dongrong long flame coal. The proximate analysis, calorific value and Hardgrove grindability index (HGI) of semicokes were determined, and the ignition temperature, burnout temperature, ignition index, burnout index, burnout ratio, combustion characteristic index of semicokes were measured and analyzed using thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The effects of pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, and pyrolysis time on yield, composition and calorific value of long flame coal derived semicokes were investigated, especially the influence of pyrolysis temperature on combustion characteristics and grindability of the semicokes was studied combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of semicokes. The results show that the volatile content, ash content and calorific value of semicokes pyrolyzed at all process parameters studied meet the technical specifications of the pulverized coal-fired furnaces (PCFF) referring to China Standards GB/T 7562-1998. The pyrolysis temperature is the most influential factor among pyrolysis process parameters. As pyrolysis temperature increases, the yield, ignition index, combustion reactivity and burnout index of semicokes show a decreasing tend, but the ash content increases. In the range of 400 and 450 °C, the grindability of semicokes is rational, especially the grindability of semicokes pyrolyzed at 450 °C is suitable. Except for the decrease of volatile content and increase of ash content, the decrease of combustion performance of semicokes pyrolyzed at higher temperature should be attributed to the improvement of the degree of structural ordering and the increase of aromaticity and average crystallite size of char. It is concluded that the semicokes pyrolyzed at the temperature of 450 °C is the proper fuel for PCFF.     

Leaching kinetics in cyanide media of Ag contained in the industrial mining-metallurgical wastes in the state of Hidalgo,Mexico

The leaching kinetics in cyanide media of the silver contained in the Dos Carlos waste tailings at the City of Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo State, Mexico were carried out. The used material contained the following chemical composition: 56 × 10^-6 of Ag, 0.6 × 10⁻⁶ of Au and 70.43% (by weight) of SiO₂; 7.032% (by weight) of Al₂O₃; 2.69% (by weight) of Fe; 0.46% (by weight) of Mn; 3.98% (by weight) of K₂O; 3.34% (by weight) of CaO; 2.50% (by weight) of Na₂O; 0.04% (by weight) of Zn; 0.026% (by weight) of Pb. The mineralogical phases present were the following: Silica, albite, argentite, berlinite, orthoclase, potassium jarosite, and natrojarosite. In the leaching kinetics in cyanide media, and under the studied conditions, the effect of the CN⁻ concentration on the reaction rate has no effect on the whole process of alkaline cyanidation, of which the reaction order is n ≈ 0. Temperature has an effect on the cyanidation rate of the reaction, with an activation energy of 47.9 KJ/mol. At the same time, when the particle size decreases there is an increase in the reaction rate, which is inversely proportional to the particle diameter; when increasing the NaOH concentration there is an increase in the reaction rate K_exp, with a reaction order (n) of 0.215 under the studied ranges.