Tightly constrained experimental thermogravimetry proves to be effective fo
r characterising the effects of rank and maceral variations on Bowen Basin
coal combustion behaviour. These coals show an increase in char burnout tem
perature with rank for both dull, inertinite-rich and bright, vitrinite-ric
h coals. Most dull coals have higher char burnout and peak combustion tempe
ratures than their bright rank equivalents. The maximum rates of combustion
for dull coals are lower than their bright counterparts, with the differen
ce between the two varying with rank. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri
ghts reserved.