TECHNOLOGY
Argonne Program Provides Reliable, Stable Coal Samples for Research Applications include studies involving chemical analysis, heating values, coal structure, and combustion, gasification, and liquefaction problems With completion of the collection phase of Argonne National Laboratory's premium coal sample program, extensive evaluation of the coal samples is now under way. The set of eight distinct coal types has been collected and prepared for distribution. Samples of any or all of the eight types are available to qualified researchers. To date, 234 shipments of samples have been made to 110 foreign and domestic research groups, according to program director Karl S. Vorres. Acceptance of the samples has been excellent, he says, because the oxidation exhibited by the samples has been negligible. This permits sample stability heretofore not available and leads to a level of reliability in correlating data that would not otherwise be possible. Support for the program comes from the Office of Basic Energy Sciences of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Argonne program provides the basic coal research community with reliable, stable samples from a variety of coal types now available in the U.S. Long-term evaluation of sample characteristics is under way at several laboratories, because, in addition to the samples themselves, the premium sample program provides extended analytical data for users and inquirers. Commercial Testing & Engineering Co., an independent commercial laboratory, has finished work on chemical analyses. Additional studies beyond
these have been carried out by more than 40 laboratories to ensure objectivity in data collection. And still more studies are in progress, including macérai analyses being carried out at Southern Illinois University and at Argonne. Individual bulk samples have been collected over a period of about five years in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey and individual mine operators. In general, samples were collected from a freshly exposed seam face of a size sufficient to yield a ton of coal. Immediately upon exposure, the block was sealed in stainless steel drums at the coal face, or, in thin seams, it was transported to the surface in double plastic bags for transfer to the drums. In all cases, transfer to the drums was made within five hours following breakout of the sample. Once filled, the drums were purged with argon. The samples, in the drums, were transported immediately to Argonne in a semitrailer equipped with a refrigeration unit and argon purging equipment. During transport, the drums were maintained at 45 °F and pressurized to 6 psig with argon. Samples received at Argonne were immediately isolated within a
nitrogen-filled processing facility. All subsequent processing—grinding, sieving, blending, ampoule filling, and the like—took place within this facility. Distribution of the samples is made to researchers who describe the nature of their work and provide references to any documents in the public domain that may pertain to that work. The price of the samples is nominal and is intended only to help cover expenses incurred in gathering the samples. Prices range from $8.00 to $16 per ampoule depending on size and type of sample. Program management is advised by a panel of prominent coal researchers meeting annually. Of particular current interest is the broad range of research projects under way with the samples. Projects include analytical studies to identify precisely the character of the various coals, and work on direct measurement of organic sulfur by reflected radiation. Also under investigation is direct measurement of oxygen by fast neutron activation and subsequent measurement of oxygen activity. One research group is trying to establish relative amounts of the different
Program includes samples of eight U.S. coal types Seam
Upper Freeport Wyodak-Anderson Illinois No. 6 Pittsburgh No. 8 Pocahontas No. 3 Blind Canyon Lewiston-Stockton Beulah-Zap
State
Rank
C
Η
Ο
S
Ash
Pa. Wyo. III. Pa. Va. Utah W.Va. N.D.
MVB SUB HVB HVB LVB HVB HVB LIG
87% 74 77 83 91 79 81 73
5.5% 5.1 5.7 5.8 4.7 6.0 5.5 5.3
4% 19 10 8 3 13 11 21
2.8% 0.5 5.4 1.6 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.8
13% 8 16 9 5 5 20 6
MVB = medium-volatile bituminous, SUB — subbituminous, HVB = high-volatile bituminous, LVB = low-volatile bituminous, LIG = lignite; S and ash compositions are on a dry basis. Other components are moisture- and ash-free values.
October 3, 1988 C&EN
29
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CIRCLE 89 ON READER SERVICE CARD October 3, 1988 C&EN
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Technology macérais in coals and to work out means for their separation. Analytical studies also include use of photoacoustic Fourier-transform infrared analysis, and plasma excitation spectroscopy for determination of trace elements. Studies of the physical properties of the eight types of coal are largely confined to the heating values, which appear to vary not only with the coal source but also with more ephemeral influences such as aging. It may now be possible to define "aging" with more acceptable precision. The studies of widest interest are probably those devoted to determining the structure of the coal types in the Argonne program. A half dozen laboratories are currently engaged in this work, with others delving directly into the problems of coal conversion. At present, the conversions of most significance are combustion, gasification, and liquefaction.
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October 3, 1988 C&EN
In reflecting on initial results of the premium sample program, Vorres expresses satisfaction with the sample reliability that has been achieved over the first five years. Sample reliability has always been a problem in coal research, particularly during the hectic period of the 1970s, when limited data on standard coals severely hampered the drive to quickly develop coal conversion processes for a national energy program. Though the urgency may have subsided, the need remains. Vorres also believes that eventual uses of coal may be quite different from those now generally expected. Gasification and liquefaction will certainly remain among the important future uses of coal, but there may well be coal products developed from modifications of the basic coal structure that are only now being considered. The idea seems to be that coal, even more than oil, is susceptible to structural modifications that could result in chemi-
cals, commodities, fuels, and other products in forms not now available. Though coal is an obvious source of organic materials and fuels, it will remain inadequately exploited until coal recovery and processing are better understood. Understanding the resource is fundamental, and the Argonne coal sampling program is providing a boost in that direction. Joseph Haggin
New solar cells mimic natural photosynthesis A new type of solar cell shows promise not only for generating electricity but also for producing chemicals. The device, being developed by H. Ti Tien and coworkers at Michigan State University, depends on a process reminiscent of natural photosynthesis. Tien, a professor of physiology
