Coal and Coke

The proximate analysis consists of measuring ASTM D 3172 volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash. Volatile matter and fixed carbon are the two factors that determine coal rank, with the amount of volatile matter determining the load the collection system must handle and high ash content causing operational and disposal issues. Coking is a thermal cracking process that produces distillate liquids from heavy ends, with the by-product of low-temperature carbonization having commercial value for many industries.

The elemental or ultimate analysis of coal or coke described in ASTM Standard Practice D 3176 measures carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and ash. Heating value and trace metal tests may also be required. Combustion calculations are used to determine boiler performance, coal feed rates, combustion air requirements, heat release rates, and sulfur emissions from the power plant. High sulfur concentrations can cause SO2 emission and equipment corrosion while heavy metal and trace element contamination can act as oxidation catalysts.