Chemical, Microscopic and XRD Studies on Makerwal Coal

The study is based on five representative samples of Makerwal coal which were collected from the T-Zeg-A Section of Makerwal mine during its operation. Samples were subjected to proximate analysis to determine the coal components. The significant constituents in the samples like fixed carbon content, sulphur, volatile matter and calorific values were respectively found in the range of 39.44-48.58%, 4.92-5.55%, 39.56-45.25% and 10156-11800 Btu/lb. The detailed microscopic study of five polished sections of the samples was carried out which revealed that the coal samples contained mineral matter mainly in the form of shale, coarse and fine grained pyrite and specks of kaolinite. The vegetal matter was found in the form of good grade macerals. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirmed the prescence of mineral constituents as indicated by the microscopic investigation. All the results so obtained were collectively analysed and concluded that the Makerwal coal belongs to a Subbituminous Coal Category. It was further confirmed by microscopic study that the mineral matter associated with the coal is largely separable and on its physical processing the grade of coal may be further improved.