Quality of Some Nigerian Coals as Blending Stock in Metallurgical Coke Production

M. B. Nasirudeen, A. Jauro

Chemistry Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, PMB 248, Bauchi, Nigeria.
Department of Chemistry, Kaduna State University, P.M.B 2339, Kaduna, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2011.101007                

Abstract

Two Nigerian coals, Lafia-Obi and Chikila were blended in the mass ratio of 70:30 with imported American and Polish coking coals. Proximate analysis, free swelling index, Ruhr dilatometer and Gieseler plastometer were used in assessing the coking qualities of both the single coals and the blends. The results show that the blends are lower in moisture and ash contents; higher in volatile matter and fixed carbon than the single Nigerian coals. The rheological parameters revealed superiority in thermo-plastic properties of the blends over the unblended local coals. Lafia-Obi/Foreign coals blends possess lower ash and better rheological properties compared to Chikila/Foreign coal composites which have high ash and poor rheological properties. These together suggest that amongst the two Nigerian coals, Lafia-Obi is superior for blending with the foreign ones in metallurgical coke production.

Keywords

coking coals; blending; Nigeria

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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