The effect of the presence of siderite (FeCO3) in coal on the atmospheric p
ressure-temperature programmed reduction (AP-TPR) analysis of coal is studi
ed. Siderite is added to demineralised Maritza Iztok (lignite) and raw Nowy
Wirek (high volatile bituminous) coal before analysis. Results show an ext
ra troilite FeS peak in the AP-TPR profiles for both siderite doped coals.
The mechanism of H2S capture by siderite is discussed on the base of a mode
l reaction. Additionally, the formation of troilite from the pyrite present
in the initial coal during the AP-TPR experiment was monitored by scanning
electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray analyser (SEM-EDX). Du
ring AP-TPR analysis the evolving H2S is captured by FeO or FeCO3 and FeS i
s formed. These phenomena disturb the AP-TPR profiles as well as the sulphu
r recovery. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.