PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF COAL, OIL-SHALE, LOW QUALITY FOSSIL-FUELS AND RELATED MATERIALS BY THERMOGRAVIMETRY

The massive oil price increases of the 'oil crises' of 1973 and 1979 followed by continuing volatile price fluctuations have reduced the over-dependence on oil by increased coal utilization and generated interest in oil shale. Basic to the economic viability of this is the detailed characterization of a wide range of coals, particularly those of poorer quality (high ash) and lower cost. Fundamental to this is 'proximate analysis' where increased speed, lower unit cost per determination together with complementary and related determinations have been achieved by the technique of thermogravimetry. Other applications using different furnace atmosphere combinations and magnetic fields have contributed further data of economic and environmental importance.