Physicochemical Fuel Properties and Carbonization Kinetics of Duduguru Coal

The growing demand for cheap electricity and the significant discovery of new coal deposits in developing nations like Nigeria has increased interest in coal-fired power generation. Conversely, comprehensive data on the fuel properties, emissions profiles, and environmental impacts of coal exploration and energy exploitation remain scarce. Therefore, this study examines the physicochemical, microstructure, mineralogical, and thermo-kinetic properties of Duduguru (DDG) coal from a newly discovered deposit in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The results showed that DDG contains high carbon and hydrogen but low oxygen contents, which accounts for its higher heating value (HHV) of 28.39 MJ/kg. Based on its volatile matter content and HHV, DDG is ranked as a high volatile bituminous C coal, which typically exhibits HHV in the range 26.70 MJ/kg -30.20 MJ/kg. The microstructure and chemical analyses indicated that DDG consists of heterogeneous sized particles with a distinct white lustre. This could be ascribed to the presence of mineral and metal components such as quartz, kaolinite, and the metal elements (such as Ti and Fe) typically found in coal structure. Thermal analysis revealed that the change in heating rates and temperature significantly affected the thermal degradation behaviour and temperature profile characteristics of DDG. As a result, DDG experienced significant mass loss (Ml = 39.32% to 41.28%) and residual mass (RM = 58.72% to 60.68%). Furthermore, the results showed that the increase in heating rates from lower to higher values enhances the formation of a higher mass of residuals. In general, DDG is a high-rank coal, which may be suitable for steam generation for electricity or metallurgical coke for steel production.