Characteristics of bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal and bottom ash from a coal-fired power plant

In this study, the characterization of bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal and bottom ash from a coal fired power plant was performed. Moisture content, loss of ignition and heat of combustion for the coals and bottom ash were determined. The results show that sub-bituminous coal has high percentage of moisture content and loss of ignition with 18% and 80.49% respectively. Loss of ignition indicates the level of carbon content in the sample. The heat of combustion for bituminous coal exhibits the highest average value with 26898 J/g. The FTIR patterns show chemical bonding in the coals and bottom ash. Bottom ash has a broad peak at 1378 cm-1indicating the presence of N=O functional group. The X-ray Diffraction study confirms the presence of mineral constituents such as quartz, pyrite and hematite in bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal and bottom ash.