Utilization of the Permian Coal Deposits of West Bokaro, India: A Petrochemical Evaluation

In the present investigation an attempt has been made to study the petrographic and geochemical characteristics of coal deposits of West Bokaro coalfield of India. Coal samples were subjected to detailed petrographic and geochemical analyses. The results reveal that these coals are rich in vitrinite with significant concentration of inertinite and a meager amount of liptinite. The mineral matter is dominated by argillaceous matter (clay minerals, quartz, etc.) followed by carbonate (ankerite, siderite, calcite, etc.) and suplphides (mainly pyrite), which occurs in different forms, such as dispersed, cavity filling, fissure filling, as well as massive impregnation. The volatile matter (d. a. f. basis) and reflectance values (Rom) suggest these coals to be between high volatile bituminous type B to medium volatile bituminous in rank. These coals can be best used for blending to produce metallurgical coke. The petrochemical characteristics of these coals favor their use in gasification and hydrogenation.