April Joy S.

Lentorio March 21, 2023

BSEM 3 Engr. Nathaniel Tiu

ACTIVITY 2
COAL MINING

Guide Questions:
1. Enumerate at least “Three (3) most common mineral found in Coal and explain
the advantages and disadvantages of this minerals present in coal.

• Clay is widely distributed and most abundant in coal. Due to its quantity and
exceedingly tiny size, clay is frequently difficult to remove. Due to the clay's
irregular granular structure and the fact that it does not boost the coal's heating
value, the presence of clay in coal is undesirable since it decreases the efficiency
of the coal conversion process.

• Quartz also exists in coal seams. Given that silicon dust, which is what makes up
quartz and is harmful to a person's respiratory system, contains silicon and oxygen
atoms, quartz has been designated as a carcinogen. In order to assess a coal's
quality, the silicon concentration of the ash is also examined. Ash content is higher
in coal that is of lower quality. Quartz may easily destroy mills and ducts due to
how abrasive it is.

• Pyrite and marcasite is found in every coal. This substance also contains iron
sulfide, a mineral that occurs in pyrite and is an undesirable part of coal. Sulfur
content causes a decline in coal quality. Cooking iron sulfide minerals results in
the production of sulfur dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

2. Differentiate the following terms and provide at least 5 examples for each of the
term: (20 total examples)

(a) syngenetic minerals vs epigenetic minerals.

• Syngenetic minerals are those that originate at the same time as and under similar
environmental conditions to the coal or surrounding sedimentary rock conditions.
 These minerals frequently come into being as a result of processes like the buildup
of organic matter or the precipitation of seawater.

Examples: clays, quartz, feldspar, apatite and muscovite

• On the other hand, epigenetic minerals are those that form after the surrounding
rock or coal has been formed. Some of the mechanisms that create these minerals
include weathering, metasomatism, and hydrothermal action.

Examples: calcite, dolomite, ankerite, siderite, pyrite

(b) included mineral matter excluded mineral matter.

• Included mineral matter includes everything that causes a unique mineral grain to
form within the coal matrix, such as quartz and clay mineral grains encased in
bands of vitrinite or inertinite, like currants inside a bun.

Examples: Clay minerals, Pyrite, Carbonate minerals, Quartz, Feldspar

• Excluded mineral matter is anything that isn't a piece of the coal or coal seam,
including sandstone or shale fragments that may have come from rocks on the roof
or floor above or below the coal seam, rock partings within the coal seam, or other
sources.

Examples: Sandstone, Shale, Siltstone, Limestone, Ironstone

3. Enumerate the “TEN (10) Geologic Factors Affecting Coal Formation” and
discuss each of these factor and why does it affect the formation of coal.

1. Climate – is a factor that affects the formation of coal because the amount of rain
and sunlight can modify the nutrition and growth of the plants that would eventually
turn into peat and then, under favorable conditions, shift into coal.

2. Vegetation – The plants that grow in the marsh come in many different varieties,
and there are differences in how they disintegrate or are preserved.

3. Humidity – The moisture content of the coal is also influenced by the local humidity
where the previous vegetation formerly flourished.
 4. Water source of the swamp – Because it impacts the nutrients or minerals that
the peat will contain and how they will be kept, a swamp's or marsh's water supply
can have a variety of effects on how coal forms. For example, whether the water
source is freshwater or saltwater can have an impact on the creation of coal.

5. Aerobic or anaerobic conditions – Because they stop the peat, which is

produced by the partial decomposition of the buried plants, from completely
breaking down, anaerobic conditions are better suited for the formation of coal.

6. Location – As an illustration, the altitude or elevation may determine whether a

certain area will be covered by water sources, which facilitate the production of
coal, and the geophysical makeup of the region where the marsh or swamp is
located may have an effect on the development of coal.

7. Time and temperature – As moisture and volatile substances are removed during
coalification, higher temperatures promote the production of coals with higher
rankings. The length of time that coal spends below the crust determines its rank,
hence this is another geologic factor that influences coal output.

8. Heat Sources – Even though deeper burying will result in higher temperatures for
the coal production process, coalification will be facilitated by being adjacent to
heat sources like volcanoes.

9. Pressure - As a result of further compaction and increased temperatures brought

on by the pressure from the peat's upper layers, coal will eventually form over a
prolonged period of time.

10. Geochemical conditions - The acidity or alkalinity of the water in the marsh or
swamp has an effect on the development of peat and coal. When the water gets
more acidic, less bacteria are active, which preserves the organic content in the
peat.

4. Enumerate at least “Five (5) Factors that Affects Coal Quality” and discuss each
of these factor and why does it affect the quality of coal.

• Organic matter – This includes vegetation. Plants and the organisms they contain
are still present. The types of plants involved determine how much peat is formed.
For instance, lignite is extremely volatile since it is mostly sourced from resinous
plants.
 • Biogeochemical Processes – refers to the breakdown and destruction of plants
caused by microbes and oxygen (macro-organisms and micro-organisms). The
resulting coal is determined by the cracking and cracking process of these.
Additionally, different plant and tree components digest plant matter in different
ways, resulting in variances in the caliber of the charcoal produced.

• Location - contains geographic features such topography, elevation, climate, and

nearby waters. Swamps and wetlands close to bodies of water become partially or
completely submerged, allowing minerals to enter. Peat masses, however, are
washed away along the river and coast, which has an impact on how coal is
formed. Climate-wise, the quantity of precipitation in a bog or wetland site affects
which plants develop in what ways and also affects how much water floods the
peat pile.

• Minerals – refers to minerals that are absorbed by peat masses, including those
from soil, water, eroded or transported sediments, and volcanic ash. The origin of
the sediments affects the mineral content of the producing coal. While sediments
from the sea can be rich in sulfur, sediments from rivers can be rich in iron.

• Pressure and Temperature – Pressure and temperature fluctuations lead to

differing grades of coal, and an increase in either one of these factors alone will
accelerate carbonization. Increased pressure and temperature result in the
elimination of undesirable volatiles. In water, a higher percentage of fixed carbon
replaces oxygen and other elements.

5. Explain what is CCSEM and QEMSCAN analyses?

• CCSEM (computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy) - To detect the

size, structure, and composition of an object, Mineral particles are abundant and
grouped together in samples of coal, biomass, and petroleum coke that have been
processed.

• QEMSCAN (Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron

Microscopy) - The term for sophisticated solutions for automated mineralogy and
petrology that allow for comprehensive examination of fossils, rocks, and man-
made objects materials. In contrast to image analysis systems, it is set up to
measure mineral variability depending on chemistry at the nanoscale. Currently,
the minerals industry uses it as a potent instrument for the mineralogical process
industry.
6. What are the abnormal conditions found in Coal? Explain each of these
conditions.
• surface mining is taking place – which in some places of the mine could cause
the shallow seams to oxidize and deteriorate,

• igneous intrusions are abundant – causing the coal to be heated and maybe
burned in place, affecting the quality of the coal in the seam as a result,

• groundwater is stored within the seam – This could be a sign of an aquifer,

which would explain the extremely high and challenging-to-extract "apparent bed
moisture" found while analyzing coal for the market, as well as pressure cracking
and brittleness of the coal when handled.

• rock movements, folding and faulting has occurred - this could result in
handling such coal resulting in an excessively brittle condition, or

• coal has been stockpiled untended and unprotected for some time – The
quality and performance of the coal when supplied to users could be impacted by
self-heating, spontaneous combustion, and potential burnout of areas of that
stockpile as a result.

All of the aforementioned elements negatively affect how coal is used. Such
petrographic investigations have no established criteria, however several coal
Experts have created personal classification systems for the identification of
various disorders, and they are regularly utilized for commercial purposes.
application.

7. Discuss the “Three Macerals Group in Coal” and enumerate the sub maceral for
each group along with its definitions.

Organic material, which is produced from the remains of plants that existed millions of
years ago, makes up the majority of coal. Vitrinite, Inertinite, and Liptinite are the three
primary maceral groups that make up the organic material in coal.

1) Vitrinite - Most coals contain vitrinite, which makes up between 50 and 80 percent of
the total organic matter. It is made from the cell walls of woody plants and is a glossy,
glassy substance. The sub-maceral groups that can be discovered in vitrinite include the
following:
a) Telinite: A sub-maceral of vitrinite obtained from the bark and exterior wood of trees
is called telinite. High-quality coals frequently include it because of its high reflectivity.
b) Inertodetrinite: A sub-maceral of vitrinite called inertodetrinite is obtained from the
interior wood of trees. It is frequently present in lower-quality coals and has a lower
reflectance than telinite.
c) Vitrain: A sub-maceral of vitrinite called vitrain is made from the wood and outer bark
of trees. It is frequently present in medium-quality coals and has a modest reflectivity.

2) Inertinite - A maceral group called inertinite is created by subjecting plant material to

extreme heat and pressure. It is distinguished by its drab look and lack of reflectivity.
The sub-maceral groups that are present in inertinite are as follows:

a) Fusinite: A sub-maceral of inertinite called fusinite is made from woody plant tissue
that has been subjected to high heat and pressures. Coals that have experienced
neothermal alteration frequently include it.
b) Semi-fusinite: Semi-fusinite is an inertinite sub-maceral that is made from plant
spores and pollen. Since it reflects light more brightly than fusinite, it is frequently
discovered in coal that has undergone mild thermal modification.
c) Micrinite: Micrinite is a sub-maceral of inertinite that is produced from decomposed
plant woody tissue. Commonly, it can be discovered in coals that have undergone
severe thermal modification.

3) Liptinite - A maceral group called liptinite is generated from the lipid- and wax-rich
tissues of plants. Low reflectance and strong fluorescence under UV light are its
defining characteristics. The sub-maceral groups that can be discovered in liptinite are
as follows:

a) Exinite: Exinite is a sub-maceral of liptinite that comes from the spores, cuticles, and
resins of plants. It is frequently present in coals that have experienced minor thermal
change.
b) Liptodetrinite: The destroyed waxy tissues of plants are the source of liptodetrinite,
a sub-maceral of liptinite. Commonly, it can be discovered in coals that have undergone
just little thermal modification.
c) Alginite: Alginite, a sub-maceral of liptinite, is created from the detritus of other
aquatic plants and algae. It is frequently discovered in coals that developed in wetlands.
For evaluating coal's quality and qualities as well as for comprehending its formation
and evolution over time, it is crucial to be aware of the maceral groupings and sub-
macerals that make up coal.