Disintegration of coal as a non-oxidative source of carbon monoxide

Intense disintegration of coal is presented as a non-oxidative source of carbon monoxide evolution. On the basis of laboratory investigations, a mechanically activated decomposition of oxygen containing groups of coal structure was denoted as the main mechanism of carbon monoxide (CO) generation during coal crushing. Examinations in longwalls of coal mines proved that carbon monoxide emitted from coal during disintegration by a shearer machine, caused a measurable increase in CO concentration of return airflow. In the longwall of the Handlova subbituminous coal mine this increase was found to be up to 5-10 ppm CO, compared with the level of CO concentration when the coal face was idle. 7 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.