An experimental comparison of the ash formed from coals containing pyrite and siderite mineral in oxidizing and reducing conditions

Four coals containing iron mineral pyrite (FeS2) and siderite (FeCO3) were combusted in a laboratory drop tube furnace at temperatures of 1300, 1450, and 1600 degrees C under oxidizing and reducing conditions. Results for the behavior of pyrite mineral were in agreement with the established literatu re. The behavior of siderite mineral was determined and comparisons made. C oals containing pyrite minerals were determined to have potential to produc e ash deposition and slagging at lower temperatures than coals containing s iderite mineral. Reducing conditions were determined to lower the temperatu re at which ash deposition and slagging may occur for coals containing iron minerals compared to oxidizing conditions. With respect to ash deposition and slagging, it was determined that the iron levels in a coal are not defi nitive, but rather the iron mineral type (pyrite or siderite), mineral asso ciation (included or excluded), degree of association of included minerals, and the type of included alumine-silicate minerals have important roles.