Experimental and simulation studies on gasification characteristics of a low-rank coal by rapid heating under CO2-rich condition

In this investigation, an environmentally benign and efficient way for gasification of low-rank coal under CO2 rich condition, rapid heating, and high pressure was investigated. Series of experimental and simulation studies were carried out to compare the combustion characteristics of the Shandong (SD) low rank coal and Datong (DT) bituminous coal. It was found that the gasification potential of the SD coal sample was higher than that of the DT coal sample under the conditions investigated. A gasification model was developed and validated to predict the gasification characteristics of the low rank coal based on the experimental and the gasification kinetic parameters. It was found that the gasification conditions resulting in effective gasification of the low rank coal (in terms of CH4, CO and H2 gases production) are 100% CO2 concentration, 37.5 J/s heating rate, and 0.5 – 1 MPa pressure range.