Analyzing the combustion characteristics of Thar coal block XI: A comprehensive study

Coal is a key energy resource in the world that is available at low cost and the high energy content in coal makes it a fuel of choice in many developed and developing countries. Regardless of massive reserves, Thar coal of Pakistan is low-rank lignite coal with high moisture contents and has very limited use. The proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and X-ray diffractometry analysis were performed to investigate the combustion characteristics, morphological and mineral characteristics of Thar coal block XI. Thar coal samples in this study are characterized as low-rank lignite coal. The proximate analysis showed a significant difference in moisture content, volatile content, fixed carbon content and ash residue. The ultimate analysis provided the details of elemental contents (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Sulfer) in coal. The combustion characteristics such as combustion performance of lignite at high temperatures (950°C) was investigated in thermogravimeter and the results showed the variations in the ignition temperature, burnout tempearature, combustion index and burnout index. The marphological characteristic were determined by X-ray diffraction. The mineral congregations, ash yields, major and minor elements (SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , CaO ,MgO, Fe 2 O 3 ) varied significantly in the coal. These analyses integrate various results for assessing major monitoring parameters of coal reactivity, its temperature ranges and combustion products. • Coal is a key energy resource worldwide. • Thar coal in Pakistan has limited use. • Proximate, ultimate, and thermogravimetric analyses performed. • Thar coal characterized as low-rank lignite. • Significant differences in moisture, volatile content observed.