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 °C under oxidizing and reducing conditions. Results for the behavior of pyrite mineral were in agreement with the established literature. The behavior of siderite mineral was determined and comparisons made. Coals containing pyrite minerals were determined to have potential to produce ash deposition and slagging at lower temperatures than coals containing siderite mineral. Reducing conditions were determined to lower the temperature 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 definitive, but rather the iron mineral type (pyrite or siderite), mineral association (included or excluded), degree of association of included minerals, and the type of included alumino−silicate minerals have important roles.