Activation energies and evolved gas analysis for Argonne premium coals

A set of eight coals from the premium Argonne coal sample program were studied using thermogravimetric and evolved gas analysis. Gaseous combustion products were analyzed using an FTIR spectrometer and a chemiluminescence analyzer. Additionally, modulated thermogravimetric experiments were carried out to determine activation energies associated with the combustion of each sample. The exhaust from the thermogravimetric analyzer was directed to the gas analyzers for detecting and quantifying CO, CO2, and NO. Evolved gas analysis was conducted at a ramp rate of 5°C for CO, CO2 evolution, and 20°C per minute for nitric oxide evolution, with the furnace temperature varying between 20°C–750°C. Modulated thermogravimetric analysis experiments were carried out in the same temperature range. The temperature was increased at a rate of 2°C per minute for the modulated experiments. Each test had a superposed temperature modulation with amplitude ±5°C and a period of 200 seconds. The experiments provide valuable information on the combustion kinetics and emission characteristics of selected American coals.