The influence of coal type on the evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during coal devolatilization

Abstract

This study presents data showing the dependence of the types and quantities of PAH evolved during pyrolysis of coal on the aromatic nature of coal. A variety of coals ranging from low-rank lignite to anthracite have been pyrolyzed at well-controlled laminar conditions between temperatures of 900 and 1700°K. From GC-MS analysis it is concluded that the chemical type of PAH from different coals is similar. The concentration of PAH and soot formed, however, shows a distinct trend: high volatile bituminous > medium volatile > bituminous > subbituminous > lignite > anthracite. © 1987 Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc.