Influence of particle size on maceral and mineral distribution in Lower Gondwana coals of India

• Published in: Arabian journal of geosciences Vol. 16; no. 3
• Main Authors: Bhatta, Rajesh, Dash, Nilima
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.03.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Coal; Distribution; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth science; Earth Sciences; Gondwana; Macerals; Minerals; Original Paper; Particle size; Particle size distribution; Water hardness; Maceral and mineral distribution; Coal; Size effect; Lower Gondwana
• ISSN: 1866-7511; 1866-7538
• DOI: 10.1007/s12517-023-11286-4

Physical separation of the organic and inorganic constituents in coal mostly depends on the degree of association and the manner of their distribution. The liberation of macerals and minerals in coal holds a vital role in the effectiveness of coal-washing technologies. The intent of the study is to observe the effect of particle size on the distribution of both macerals and minerals in coal. Different size fractions were generated, viz. −3350+1000μm, −1000+500μm, −500+212μm, −212+150μm, 150+75μm, 75+45μm and −45μm by using Indian standard sieves. Petrographic studies were carried out for all the size fractions to understand the distribution and the degree of liberation of macerals and minerals with respect to particle sizes. The results showed that the concentration of vitrinite gradually increases while inertinite and liptinite decrease with the decrease in particle size. Mineral matters decrease/increase with particle size depending upon the nature of associated minerals. Also, the particle size influences the type of mineral matter association depending upon their hardness.