ter 8

CLASSIFICATION AND
ORIGIN OF COAL
8.1 INTRODUCTION
Numerous system of coal classification has been proposed by
different authors since the later part of the 19,f1 century. Most of the
classification are based on the chemical and technical properties of
the coals. Following these various schemes the classification of
Bapung coals is tried on the basis of proximate analysis, ultimate
analysis and petrographic composition.
Chapter 8 123

According to the physical properties, the Bapung coal can be

classified as bituminous as it is black to dark black in colour with dull

to glossy lustre.

8.2 CLASSIFICATION BASED ON PROXIMATE ANALYSES

The difficulty in determining the ultimate analysis of coal and

due to the simple nature of the proximate analysis, many systems of

classification have been devised using proximate analysis alone.

Moreover, proximate analysis includes a measure of the proportions

of volatile matter and the range of calorific value, both points of

practical importance in relation to the utilisation of coal.

The parameters generally used in classification are moisture,

volatile matter or fixed carbon, fuel ratio and calorific value.

8.2.1 Fraser's classification

It is one of the earliest classifications of coal proposed by

Fraser (1877) in the USA. He devised a system based on the fuel

ratio, i.e., the ratio between volatile matter and fixed carbon content.

His scheme of coal classification is given in Table 8.1. As the fuel

ratio is in between 1.10 and 1.42 (Table 8.2), the Bapung coal can be

termed as bituminous coal according to the Fraser’s classification.

8.2.2 Parr’s classification

The coal classification system as introduced by S. W. Parr

Chapter 8 124

(1928) is mainly based on the proximate analysis and calorific value

of the coal. The calorific value of the pure coal is plotted against the
percentage of unit volatiles as shown in Fig. 8.1.
' In this classification, the Bapung coal mostly falls in the western
type of bituminous although it ranges from western type of bituminous
to black lignites.

8.2.3 A.S.T.M. Classification

Classification by proximate analysis of coal has been a

favourite method in USA for more than a century. The A.S.T.M
(American Society for Testing and Materials) system is generally used
here, being a development of the best features of the systems based
upon proximate analyses by Parr and others. The ASTM
classification uses bases the fixed carbon or volatile matter for high
rank coals, and the calorific value of the moist, mineral matter free
coal for the low rank coals which contain high proportions of
moisture.
The coals are classified into a series of classes and groups. In
this classification which is numbered, commencing with the higher
rank coals. Coals of higher rank than No. 4 high volatile - B
bituminous coal, i.e., coals containing less than 31% of volatile matter,
in dry mineral matter free basis, are classified according to their fixed
carbon contents. Coals containing more than 31 % of volatile matter in
dry mineral matter free basis are classified according to their 'moist
Chapter 8 125

calorific value’. Moist calorific value (moist B.Th.U) means the

calorific value of the coal containing its 'natural bed moisture’, but not

including visible water on the surface of the coal. The scheme of

ASTM classification is given in Table 8.3.

In this classification Bapung coal falls in the bituminous - High

volatile A group (Table 8.4).

8.2.4 Indian Standard Classification

The coal classification system adopted by the Indian Standard

Institute is mainly based on the yield of volatile matter and calorific

value (on dry mineral matter free basis) together with the moisture

content and caking nature of the coals. The classification is

presented in Table 8.5.

The calorific value of Bapung coal ranges from 13471.34 to

14612.32 B.Th.U/ib with average value of 14007.65 B.Th.U/lb in dry

mineral matter free basis. In this classification, Bapung coal falls in

the high volatile bituminous (non-caking) group (Table 8.6).

By plotting the percentage of volatile matter as abscissa against

the calorific value, a figure is obtained for the ISI classification. The

data of Bapung coals are plotted in Fig. 8.2 and the plots mostly fall in

the bituminous region.

Chapter 8 126

8.3 CLASSIFICATION BASED ON ULTIMATE AND PROXIMATE

ANALYSES

8.3.1 Seyler’s classification

Seyler’s classification is one of the outstanding historical

classifications of coal based upon ultimate analysis. As originally
presented in 1900, coals were grouped into a series of species
according to carbon content and into series of genera according to
hydrogen content. The carbon and hydrogen as determined by
ultimate analysis, were corrected for moisture, ash and combustible
sulphur. The lowest carbon content included was 75%, thus excluding
lignites, whilst the hydrogen range was too small to include such coals
rich in hydrogen as cannels and bogheads. Seyler’s classification in
tabular form (in part) is presented in Table 8.7. In this classification
the prefix ‘ortho- indicates ‘true’, ‘typical’ or ‘normal’, ‘sub’ means
‘less than normal’, whilst ‘per’ means ‘more than normal’.
In Seyler’s chart, a narrow band is drawn between the carbon
limits 70.0-97.0% and hydrogen 2.0 to 5.8% which is believed to
include the composition of all normal (humic) bright coals within this
range of carbon content.
Later on Seyler has produced a series of graphical
representations of his classification in the form of charts with carbon
and hydrogen as rectangular co-ordinates, with further axes indicating
calorific value and volatile matter at right angles to each other, but
inclined at about 60° to the carbon axis (Francis, 1961).
Chapter 8 127

In Seyler’s coal chart, the Bapung coal falls in the ortho-

lignitous species (Fig. 8.3). According to hydrogen content the coat

ranges from per-bituminous to bituminous genera and the average

hydrogen content (in dry mineral matter free basis) falls in the

bituminous genera.

8.3.2 Mott’s Classification

Mott has made an intensive study into the subject of

classification based upon ultimate and proximate analyses, and his

classification covers a wide variety of coals. The construction of the

chart representing Mott’s classification is on somewhat similar line to

that of Seyler, except that the volatile matter and calorific value

determinations are used as the principal rectangular co-ordinate,

whilst hydrogen and carbon are subsidiary co-ordinates, inclined at an

angle of approximately 40° to the main co-ordinates. The ultimate

and proximate analyses are calculated to the dry mineral matter free

basis. The Mott’s classification is tabulated in Table 8.8. The chief

merit of Mott’s classification lies in the recognition of the coal outside

the coal band of Seyler.

Classification of Bapung coal according to the Mott’s

classification is tabulated in Table 8.9. From the table it is seen that

Bapung coal ranges from high volatile bituminous to lignitic

transitional group but the average composition falls in the lignitic

transitional group. The data are plotted in the coai band (Fig. 8.4)
Chapter 8 128

and observed that the plots mostly fall in the lignitic region.

8.3.3 Hickling's Classification

Hickling (1927) proposed a classification and constructed a

chart by. plotting .the percentage of carbon against oxygen (unit coal

basis).

The carbon and oxygen contents of Bapung coals as per this

system are plotted in Fig. 8.5 and it is observed that coal is

bituminous.

8.3.4 Williamson’s Classification

Williamson (1957) plotted the percentage of carbon against the

calorific value in B.Th.U/lb in dry ash free basis to have a coal

classification.

It is observed that the plots of Bapung coal in this system falls

in the bituminous type and thereby confirming the bituminous nature

of the Eocene coals (Fig. 8.6).

8.3.5 Classification by International Geological Congress

In the classification proposed by International Geological

Congress letters are substituted for names (Table 8.10). The

parameters used are V.M., fuel ratio, calorific value and carbon. In a

general way the classification conforms to the nomenclature used in

America as follows :
Chapter 8 129

Ai = Anthracite coal
A2 = Semi-anthracite coal ■
B1 = Anthracite coal and high carbon bituminous coal
B2 = Bituminous coal
The classification of Bapung coals as per IGC system is given

in Table 8.11. It is observed that all the samples of Bapung belong to

B2 type (bituminous).

8.3.6 Basic curves by Francis

On the basis of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen contents of coal,

Francis (1961) has drawn basic curves for the Humic coal series from

Peat to Graphite.

The data of these elements of Bapung coals are

plotted on These curves and observed them to be of bituminous type

(Fig. 8.7).

8.4 PETROGRAPHIC CLASSIFICATION

8.4.T Classification based on vitrinite

An attempt has been made by Sen (1978) to classify and codify

Indian coals on the basis of petrographic analysis. Vitrinite has been

chosen as the most important parameter for classification as

proposed in Table 8.12. Here coals have been divided into a number

of coal types such as per-vitrinous, meta-vitrinous, ortho-vitrinous,

para-vitrinous and sub-vitrinous according to decreasing proportion of

vitrinite content (in visible mineral matter free basis) of coals. For the
Chapter 8 130

purpose of codification the coal types have further been divided into

groups as shown in Table 8,12.

The vitrinite content of Bapung coal varies from 76.9 to 87.26%.

On the basis of vitrinite percentage Bapung coal ranges

from per-vitrinous (B) to meta-vitrinous (A) types and average

vitrinite percentage (82.15%) falls in the meta-vitrinous (A) type

(Table 8.13).

8.4.2 Classification based on exlnlte

Sen has also classified the Indian coals on the basis of exinite

content. Coals have been grouped into eight genera with

corresponding group numbers according to exinite content (volume %

on the basis of VMMF basis) as shown in Table 8.14.

Exinite content of Bapung coal varies from 1.25 to 4.46% in

visible mineral matter free basis with an average of 2.26%. On the

basis of exinite per cent, Bapung coal falls in sub-exinous to para-

exinous genea and the average content falls in the sub-exinous

genera (Table 8.15).

8.4.3 Classification based on reflectance and volatile matter

(rank)

Rank is of paramount importance in deciding the chemical,

physical and technological properties of coal. In some classifications

in addition to maceral composition, rank is also taken into

 Chapter 8 131

consideration. This may be achieved by considering the reflectance

of vitrinite. Mean maximum reflectance (in oil) of vitrinite is
recommended for this purpose. Reflectance values of vitrinite have
been divided into reflectance numbers and group numbers based on
carbonisation properties as deduced from correlation of volatile matter
per cent and carbon per cent with maximum reflectance per cent. The
span of bituminous range has been divided between reflectance of
0.51% (volatile matter approximately 40-50%) and reflectance 2.1%
(volatile matter 13%). The entire range of bituminous coal has been
divided into 5 groups each having equal range of reflectance of 0.30%,
except the last one which has a span of 0.40%. In this classification
provision has been made for placing anthracite and low rank coals.
— The scheme of this classification is given in Table 8.16.
The volatile matter content (in air dried basis) and
corresponding reflectance value of Bapung coal are given in Table
8.17. From the table it is seen that Bapung coals are non-caking coal
having Group no. 2.

8.5 PETROGRAPHIC CODIFICATION OF BAPUNG COAL

Sen (1978) has employed three different parameters of

petrographic classification for petrographic codification of Indian coal.
When only maceral composition of coals is known, the same
can be expressed by two digital code numbers in which the first digit
relates to coal type (vitrinite %), while the second one denotes the
Chapter 8 132

genus (exinite %). Following two digital code, the Bapung coals are

plotted in Fig. 8.8 and observed that the code for most of the samples

is 71.

Sen (1978) employed the reflectance number of coals as the

third parameter in petrographic codification.

Group members of the three parameters arranged in the

sequence, coal type (vitrinite %), genus (exinite %) and reflectance

number (R0%) are used to form a code number.

Using these three parameters the Bapung coals are codified in

Table 8.18. Considering the average value, the Bapung coal is

codified as 712.

8.6 SUMMARY OF COAL CLASSIFICATION

The different classifications of Bapung coals are summarised in

abstract form in Table 8.19 for chemical composition and in Table

8.20 for petrographic composition. It is observed from the summary

tables that Bapung coal is of bituminous type, whether it is classified

on the basis of proximate or ultimate composition.

The petrographic composition places the coals to be meta-

vitrinous (A) - Group no. 7 on the basis of vitrinite per cent and sub-

exinous - Group no. 1 on the basis of exinite per cent.

8.7 ORIGIN OF COAL

During the last century there was lengthy controversy as to the

Chapter 8 133

actual mode of accumulation of coal deposits. On the one hand, they

were considered to have accumulated from vegetable matter which

remained more or less in the place of growth as in situ or

autochthonous deposits. Alternatively it was argued that much of the

vegetation had been eroded and redeposited many miles from source

to form drift or allochthonous coals.

The principal evidences relevant to the drift or allochthonous

origin of the coal seams of the Bapung coalfield are enumerated

below:

1. The rocks associated with coal are distinctly sedimentary

and the coal seams directly rest over sandstone and shale,

i.e., coal seams are interstratified with shale and sandstone.

2. Fire clay or lithomargic clay is absent on the floor of the

coal seams.

3. The repetition of regular sequence of sandstone, shale and

coal seams suggest continuous deposition in a sedimentary

basin.

4. The coal measures of Bapung area (Lakadong sandstone)

is overlying by Sylhet limestone and this is another

evidence for sedimentary basin.

From the above discussion, it can be concluded that the

present coal seams of the Bapung area are of drift origin. The ash
percentage is very low as compared to the Gondwana coals of India.
This favours the short distance transportation of the vegetable matters.
C h a p te r 8 134

Table 8.1 Fraser’s Classification of Coal

Type Fuel ratio (FCA/M, unit coal basis)

Anthracite 100-12
Semi-Anthracite 12-8
Semi-bituminous 8-5
Bituminous 5-0

Table 8.2 Bapung coal in Fraser’s classification

Sample No. Fuel ratio Type

1 1.32 Bituminous
2 1.40 Bituminous
3 1.31 Bituminous
4 1.28 Bituminous
5 1.14 Bituminous
6 1.15 Bituminous
7 1.21 Bituminous
8 1.39 Bituminous
9 1.25 Bituminous
10 1.13 Bituminous
11 1.38 Bituminous
12 1.24 Bituminous
13 1.20 Bituminous
14 1.29 Bituminous
15 1.42 Bituminous
16 1.42 Bituminous
17 1.28 Bituminous
18 1.29 Bituminous
19 1.19 Bituminous
20 1.10 Bituminous
21 1.22 Bituminous
22 1.14 Bituminous
23 1.26 Bituminous
24 1.22 Bituminous
Average 1.26 Bituminous
Chapter 8 135

Table 8.3 A.S.T.M classification by rank

Limits (VMMF basis) Requisite

Class Group physical
Fixed Volatile properties
carbon% matter%
1. Meta anthracite 98+ 2-
Non-
Anthracite 2. Anthracite 98-92 2-8 agglomerating
3. Semi anthracite 92-86 8-14

1. Low volatile 86-78 14-22

2. Medium volatile 78-69 22-31

3. High volatile A 69- 31+ Either

agglomerating
or non
Bituminous Moist B.Th.U. weathering
4. High volatile B 14000-13000

5. High volatile C 13000-11000

Sub-bituminous A 11000-13000
Both
Sub- weathering and
Sub-bituminous B 9500-11000
bituminous non-
agglomerating
Sub-bituminous C 8300-9500
Less than
Lignite Consolidated
8300
Lignite
Less than Unconsolidated
Brown coal 8300
Chapter 8 136

Table 8.4 Classification of Bapung coal by A.S.T.M system

F.C. % V.M. %
Sample No. Class Group
DMMF basis

1 56.59 42.73 Bituminous High volatile A

2 58.46 41.90 Eituminous High volatile A
3 57.08 43.47 Bituminous High volatile A
4 56.32 44.03 Bituminous High volatile A
5 53.50 46.99 Bituminous High volatile A
6 54.13 46.46 Bituminous High volatile A
7 55.12 45.28 Bituminous High volatile A
8 58.50 42.12 Bituminous High volatile A
9 55.91 44.64 Bituminous High volatile A
10 53.59 47.27 Bituminous High volatile A
11 58.26 42.37 Bituminous High volatile A
12 55.69 45.06 Bituminous High volatile A
13 54.73 45.56 Bituminous High volatile A
14 56.63 43.74 Bituminous High volatile A
15 58.90 41.52 Bituminous High volatile A
16 58.96 41.56 Bituminous High volatile A
17 56.28 44.29 Bituminous High volatile A
18 56.64 43.85 Bituminous High volatile A
19 54.51 45.89 Bituminous High volatile A
20 52.78 47.82 Bituminous High volatile A
21 55.19 45.17 Bituminous High volatile A
22 53.82 47.21 Bituminous High volatile A
23 56.18 44.56 Bituminous High volatile A
24 55.34 45.25 Bituminous High volatile A
Average 55.96 44.53 Bituminous High volatile A
Chapter 8 137

Table 8.5 General classification of Indian coals (Indian

Standard Institute)
Range of Range of
Range of calorific moisture
volatile value percentage
Type Subdivision or percentage
Group Kcal/kg (mineral free
at (B.Th.U/lb) basis)
900°C±15°C (unit coal
basis) *A *B
8330 to
8670 1 to
Anthracite A, 3-10 2 to 4 3
(15000 to
Anthracite 15600)
8440 to
Semi­ a2
8780 1.5 to 1 to
10-15
anthracite (15200 to 3.0 2
15800)
8670 to 0.5
Low volatile 8890 1.5 to to
(caking) Bt 15 to 20
(15600 to 2.5
1.5
16000)
8440 to 0.5
Medium 8780 1.5 to to
b2 20 to 32
volatile (15200 to 2.5
Bituminous 2.0
15800)
coals
8280 to
(caking
strength High volatile b3 32+ 8610 5 to 1 to
(caking) (14900 to 10 3
increasing
15500)
from Bs to
B2) 8060 to
High volatile 8440 10 to 3 to
&4 32+
(semicaking) (14500 to 20 7
15200)
7500 to
High volatile 8060
Bg 32+ (13500 to
(non caking)
14500)
3940 to
Sub-. No caking 7500 20 to 10 to
bituminous Slacking on Be 32+
(12500 to 30 20
coals weathering 13500)
6100 to
Normal 6940 30 to 10 to
Li 45 to 55
lignite (11000 to 70 25
Lignites or
brown 12500)
6940 to
coals
Canneloid 7500 30 to 10 to
1.2 55 to 65 25
lignite (12500 to 70
13500)
* A = Near saturation at 96% RH at 40°C
* B = Air dried at 60% RH at 40°C
Chapter 8 138

Table 8.6 Bapurtg coal in general classification of Indian coal

Calorific
Volatile
Sample value Group
matter % Type Name
No. (B.Th.U/lb) symbol
in DMMF basis
Highly volatile
1 42.73 14044.32 Bituminous b 5
(noncaking)
41.90 Highly volatile
2 14360.61 Bituminous b 5
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
3 43.47 14215.21 Bituminous b 5
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
4 44.03 14019.12 Bituminous b6
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
5 46.99 13648.17 Bituminous b5
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
6 46.46 13759.92 Bituminous B5
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
7 45.28 13840.99 Bituminous b5
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
8 42.12 14396.61 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
9 44.64 13876.95 Bituminous b 5
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
10 47.27 13695.73 Bituminous b5
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
11 42.37 14319.12 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
12 45.06 13987.40 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
13 45.56 13818.70 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
14 43.74 14106.02 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
15 41.52 14597.78 Bituminous b 4
(semi-caking)
Highly volatile
16 41.56 14612.32 Bituminous Ba
(semi-caking)
Highly volatile
17 44.29 13967.19 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
18 43.85 14121.95 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
19 45.89 13993.02 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Non-caking,
20 47.82 13471.34 Bituminous slacking on Bs
weathering
Highly volatile
21 45.17 13837.46 Bituminous B5
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
22 47.21 13807.31 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
23 44.56 13906.73 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
24 45.25 13869.68 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
Highly volatile
Average 44.53 14007.65 Bituminous Bs
(noncaking)
 C
h

Table 8.7 Seyler’s Classification of coal (dry mineral matter free basis)
a
p
t e
r

S p e c ie s
8

Bituminous i Lignitous
Anthracite

S
0)
C arbonaceous Ortho- Para- Meta- Ortho- |
i
Carbon over Carbon % Carbon % Carbon % Carbon % Carbon % Carbon %
Genera
93,3% 93.3-91.2 91.2-89.0 89.0-87.0 87.0-84.0 j 84-80 80-75
Per- Per- Per- Per-
bituminous bituminous bituminous bituminous

i
Per-iignitous
Hydrogen > (per-meta- (per-ortho- (per-para-
5.8% bituminous) bituminous) bituminous)
c
Li
O
CD

Bituminous, Pseudo-
CO

Meta- Ortho- Para-

*
Hydrogen 5.0- bituminous bituminous bituminous bituminous Meta Ortho
5.8% sp ec ies L____ __ _ __
3
'c
o

1
zs

Sem i-
•*«*
to

.Q
CO

Semi- ; Sub- Sub- Sub-

bituminous bituminous bituminous
bituminous bituminous
sp ecies

■
Hydrogen 4.5- (sub-m eta- (sub-ortho- (sub-para- Meta Ortho
(ortho-semi- ; bituminous) bituminous)
5.0% i bituminous)
bituminous) i ...... i

C arbonaceous Pseudo- Pseudo- Pseudo-

Carbonaceous Semi- carbonaceous
sp ecies carbonaceous carbonaceous
Hydrogen 4.0- anthracitic
(ortho- (sub-m eta- (sub-ortho- (sub-para-
4.5% species
carbonaceous) bituminous) bituminous) bituminous)
Anthracitic Pseudo- Pseudo­ Pseudo­ Pseudo­
genus Ortho- antracite anthracite anthracite anthracite
Hydrogen anthracite (sub- (sub-m eta- (sub-ortho- (sub-para-
<4% carbonaceous) bituminous) bituminous) bituminous)
139
Chapter 8 140

Table 8.8 Mott’s classification of coal

Group limits
Class Group Calorific value
Volatile matter %
(in DMMF basis) (B.Th.U/lb in
VMMF basis)
Anthracite 2-8 14750-15750
Anthracite
Semi-anthracite 8-14 16000-15500
Low volatile 14-20
Bituminous 16000-15500
Bituminous Medium volatile
(Agglomeratic) 20-31 16000-15500
Bituminous
High volatile 31-47 15750-14000
Bituminous
Transitional Lignitic 38-47 14000-13500
.Group
Per-hydrous 47-56 14000-13500
lignitic
Lignite 38-47
Lignite Per-hydrous 47-56 13500-10000
lignite
Super-hydrous 56-75
lignite
Per-hydrous peat 65-75
Peat Super-hydrous 11000-85000
75-85
peat
C h a p te r 8 141

Table 8.9 Bapung coal in Mott’s classification

Calorific
Sample Volatile matter % value
(B.Th.U/lb) Class Group
No.
in DMMF basis
High volatile
1 42.73 14044.32. Bituminous
Bituminous
High volatile
2 41.90 14360.61 Bituminous
Bituminous
High volatile
3 43.47 14215.21 Bituminous
Bituminous
4 44.03 14019.12 Bituminous Lignitic

5 46.99 13648.17 Transitional Lignitic

6 46.46 13759.92 Transitional Lignitic
7 45.28 13840.99 Transitional Lignitic
High volatile
8 42.12 14396.61 Bituminous
Bituminous
9 44.64 13876.95 Transitional Lignitic
10 47.27 13695.73 Transitional Lignitic
High volatile
11 42.37 14319.12 Bituminous
Bituminous
12 45.06 13987.40 Transitional Lignitic

13 45.56 13818.70 Transitional Lignitic

High volatile
14 43.74 14106.02 Bituminous
Bituminous
High volatile
15 41.52 14597.78 Bituminous
Bituminous
High volatile
16 41.56 14612.32 Bituminous
Bituminous
17 44.29 13967.19 Transitional Lignitic
High volatile
18 43.85 14121.95 Bituminous
Bituminous
19 45.89 13993.02 Transitional Lignitic

20 47.82 13471.34 Transitional Lignitic

21 45.17 13837.46 Transitional Lignitic
22 47.21 13807.31 Transitional Lignitic
23 44.56 13906.73 Transitional Lignitic
24 45.25 13869.68 Transitional Lignitic
Average 44.53 14007.65 Transitional Lignitic
Chapter 8 142

Table 8.10 Classification of coal by International Geological

Congress

C.V.
V.M.% Fuel Ratio Carbon%
Type B.Th.U/lb
DMMF basis
A, 3-5 Over 12 14500-15000 93-95
A2 7-12 7-12 15000-15500 90-93
Bi 12-15 4-7 15200-16000 80-90
b2 12-26 1.2-7 14000-16000 75-90

Table 8.11 Classification of Bapung coal by International

Geological Congress

Sample C.V.
V.M.% Fuel Ratio Carbon% Type
No. B.Th.U/lb
DMMF basis
1 42.73 1.32 14044.32 77.06 b2

2 41.90 1.40 14360.61 74.30 b2

3 43.47 1.31 14215.21 79.15 Ba

8 42.12 1.39 14396.61 78.32 b2

9 44.64 1.25 13876.95 76.58 b2

10 47.27 1.13 13695.73 78.13 b2

11 42.37 1.38 14319.12 79.65 b2

12 45.06 1.24 13987.40 76.63 b2

13 45.56 1.20 13818.70 76.85 b2

17 44.29 1.28 13967.19 74.68 b2

18 43.85 1.29 14121.95 75.74 b2

19 45.89 1.19 13993.02 78.47 b2

24 45.25 1.22 13869.68 76.39 Ba

Average 44.18 1.28 14044.35 77.07 Ba
Chapter 8 143

Table 8.12 Classification of coal based on vitrinite per cent

(V.M.M.F. basis)

Vitrinite (% volume in
Coal types visible mineral matter Group No.
free basis)
Per-vitrinous (A) More than 95 9
Per-vitrinous (B) 95-85.1 8
Meta-vitrinous (A) 85.0-75.1 7
Meta-vitrinous (B) 75.0-65.1 6
Ortho-vitrinous (A) 65.0-55.1 5
Ortho-vitrinous (B) 55.0-45.1 4
Para-vitrinous (A) 45.0-35.1 3
Para-vitrinous (B) 35.0-25.1 2
Sub-vitrinous (A) 25.0-15.1 1
Sub-vitrinous (B) 15.0-5.1 0
Chapter 8 144

Table 8.13 Bapung coal classified according to percentage of

vitrinite

Sample Vitrinite % Coal types Group No.

No. (V.M.M.F. basis)
1 87.26 Per-vitrinous (B) 8
2 82.80 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
3 84.79 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
4 79.99 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
5 81.51 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
6 86.11 Per-vitrinous (B) 8
7 79.25 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
8 84.73 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
9 84.53 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
10 84.84 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
11 83.16 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
12 83.09 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
13 84.11 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
14 82.11 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
15 83.33 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
16 77.86 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
17 80.72 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
18 84.27 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
19 76.90 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
20 81.47 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
21 80.71 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
22 77.14 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
23 80.77 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
24 80.26 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
Average 82.15 Meta-vitrinous (A) 7
C h a p te r 8 145

Table 8.14 Classification of coal based on exinite per cent

(V.M.M.F. basis)

E x in ite (V o lu m e % in
G e n e ra G ro u p No.
V .M .M .F . b a s is )

N o n -e x in o u s 0 -0 .9 0

S u b -e x in o u s 1 .0 -2 .5 1

P a ra -e x in o u s 2 .6 -5 .0 2

O rth o -e x in o u s (A ) 5 .1 -1 0 .0 3

O rth o -e x in o u s (B ) 1 0 .1 -1 5 .0 4

P e r-e x in o u s (A ) 1 5 .1 -2 0 .0 5

P e r-e x in o u s (B ) 2 0 .1 -2 5 .0 6

P e r-e x in o u s ( C ) M o re tha n 2 5 .0 7
Chapter 8 146

Table 8.1S Bapung coal classified according to exinite content

Sample No. Exinite % Genera Group No.

(V.M.M.F. basis)
1 3.47 Para-exinous 2
2 1.61 Sub-exinous 1
3 3.13 Para-exinous 2
4 1.31 Sub-exinous 1
5 1.34 Sub-exinous 1
6 2.25 Sub-exinous 1
7 2.05 Sub-exinous 1
8 1.76 Sub-exinous 1
9 1.29 Sub-exinous 1
10 2.31 Sub-exinous 1
11 2.33 Sub-exinous 1
12 1.25 Sub-exinous 1
13 1.29 Sub-exinous 1
14 1.41 Sub-exinous 1
15 2.19 Sub-exinous 1
16 3.29 Para-exinous 2
17 1.62 Sub-exinous 1
18 1.89 Sub-exinous 1
19 4.46 Para-exinous 2
20 2.59 Sub-exinous 1
21 1.70 Sub-exinous 1
22 ~ 3.77 Para-exinous 2
23 2.16 Sub-exinous 1
24 3.87 Para-exinous 2
Average 2.26 Sub-exinous 1
C hapter 8 147

Table 8.16 Classification of coal based on reflectance and

volatile matter

Approximate
Range of range of
Reflectance
reflectance Group No. volatile Remarks
No.
R0 max% matter % of
vitrain

0 Less than 0
0.20 More than 50 Scanty data
1 0.20-0.50 1
Mainly non­
2 0.51-0.80 2 50-42
caking
Caking
property
3 0.81-1.10 3 42-32 increases
from 0.81 to
1.10
Strongly
4 1.11-1.40 4 32-24 caking (high
volatile)
Strongly
5 1.41-1.70 5 24-18 caking (low
volatile)
Caking
property
6 1.71-2.10 6 18-13 diminishes
form 1.71 to
2.10
Semi­
7 2.11-2.50 7 13-8 anthracite
mainly
8 2.51-3.00 8 8-5 Anthracite
More than Meta­
9 9 Less than 5
3.00 anthracite
C h a p te rs 148

Table 8.17 Classification of Bapung coal based on reflectance

and volatile matter

Vitrinite
Sample reflectance Reflectance Group Volatile Types
No. (max %) No. No. matter %

0.66 2 2 42.15 Mainly

1 non-caking
0.62 2 2 40.25 Mainly
2 non-caking
0.58 2 2 41.20 Mainly
3 non-caking
0.67 2 40.10 Mainly
8 2 non-caking
0.59 2 2 42.75 Mainly
9 non-caking
0.61 2 44.10 Mainly
10 2 non-caking
0.65 40.25 Mainly
11 2 2
non-caking
0.63 2 2 42.35 Mainly
12 non-caking
0.57 44.20 Mainly
13 2 2 non-caking
Mainly
14 0.64 2 2 42.23 non-caking
Mainly
15 0.56 2 2 40.02 non-caking
0.66 2 2 40.02 Mainly
16 non-caking
45.25 Mainly
20 ' 0.58 2 2 non-caking
0.50 1 1 43.07 Mainly
21 non-caking
0.55 2 2 44.25 Mainly
22 non-caking
Average 0.60 2 2 42.15 Mainly
non-caking
Chapter 8 149

Table 8.18 Petrographic codification of Bapung coal

Vitrinite % Exinite % Reflectance

Sample No. with Group with Group with Group Code
No. No. No.

1 87.26(8) 3.47 (2) 0.66(2) 822

2 82.80(7) 1.61(1) 0.62(2) 712

3 84.79(7) 3.13(2) 0.58(2) 722

8 84.73(7) 1.76(1) 0.67(2) 712

9 84.53(7) 1.29(1) 0.59(2) 712

10 84.84(7) 2.31(1) 0.61(2) 712

11 83.16(7) 2.33(1) 0.65(2) 712

12 83.09(7) 1.25(1) 0.63(2) 712

13 84.11(7) 1.29(1) 0.57(2) 712

14 82.11(7) 1.41(1) 0.64(2) 712

15 83.33(7) 2.19(1) 0.56(2) 712

16 77.86(7) 3.29(2) 0.66(2) 722

20 81.47(7) 2.59(1) 0.58(2) 712

21 80.71(7) 1.70(1) 0.50(1) 711

22 77.14(7) 3.77(2) 0.55(2) 722

Average 82.80(7) 2.23 (1) 0.60(2) 712
Chapter 8 150

Table 8.19 Summary of coal classification based on chemical

analyses of coal

System or Parameters Classification of

author Bapung coal
Volatile matter and calorific Black lignites
Parr value
Fraser Fuel ratio Bituminous coal
Fixed carbon, volatile matter Bituminous - High
A.S.T.M. and calorific value volatile A
Volatile mater and calorific Bituminous (high
I.S.I value volatile, non-caking)
Seyler Carbon and hydrogen Ortho-lignitous
Volatile matter and calorific Lignitic transitional
Mott value group
Hickling Carbon and oxygen Bituminous
Williamson Carbon and calorific value Bituminous
I.G.C. Volatile matter, fuel ratio, Bituminous
calorific value and carbon
Francis Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen Bituminous

Table 8.20 Summary of coal classification based on

petrographic analyses of coal

Author Parameters Type Group No.

Sen Vitrinite Meta-vitrinous (A) 7

Sen Exinite Sub-exinous 1

Sen Vitrinite reflectance Non-caking 2

and volatile matter
Chapter 8 151

- -------- -—s-----
Calorific value in DMMF basis

i Canal coal
aO

Anthracite; 1 j Eastern type of

i | bituminous
aO

1 Western type of
(B.Th.U/lb)

•
Semi- Sem i-
anthracite bituminous A . bituminous
iOt

.... - ..............
•
.
- Black lignites
uO
io
O

Brown lignites

---------------- 1-- ~1--------------~1--------------- --------------- 1---------------

0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Volatile matter % (DMMF basis)

Fig. 8.1 Plots of Bapung Coal in Parr's Classification

Calorific value (B.Th.U/ib in
Chapters 152

Lignitous
-J

Meta Ortho
o>

%
Bituminous
•
. •* . *
• ••

• .
o<

Carbonaceous
(in dry mineral matter free basis)
Hydrogen %

Semi-Anthracite

Anthracite
w
o
t

100 95 90 85 80 75 70
Carbon % (in dry mineral matter free basis)

F ig . 8.3 B apung coal in S e y le fs coal band

Chapter 8 153

S
§
§ 3
Volatile matter % (DMMF basis]
S
S &

17000 16000 15000 14000 13000 12000 11000 10000 9000 8000
________________ Calorific vaIue(B.Th.U/Ib,DMMF basis)

Fig. 8.4 Plots of Bapung Coal in Mott's coal band

C ha p te r 8 154

Lignite Sub-bituminous
Oxygen % (unit coal basis)

*
•
• Bituminous
*
* *
•
•

Anthracite
co

70 80
O
o
o

Carbon % (unit coal basis)

Fig. 8.5 Plots of Bapung Coal in Hickling's

classification
Chapter 8 155

Calorific value in DAF basis (B.Th.U/lb)

50.00 60.00 70.00 80.00 90.00 100.00

Carbon % (DAF basis)
Fig. 8.6 Plots of Bapung coal in Williamson's
diagram
 Chapter 8 156
Carbon (per cent)
Hydrogen (per cent)
Oxygen (per cent)

Figure 8.7 Plots of Bapung coal in basic curves of Humic coal

 Chapter 8 157

''C o a l O rth o -
P e r -v i t r i n o u s M e t a -v i t r i n o u s P a r a -v i t n n o u s S u b -v itr in o u s
\ ly p e s v it r in o u s
A B A B A B A B A B

G e n e ra \ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 6
Non­
e x in o u s
■
0
Sub-
e x in o u s •» *
, * »•
1
P a ra -
e x in o u s • *#
*

2
O rth o -
e x in o u s

3 A
O rth o -
e x ln o u s

4 B
P e r-
e x in o u s

5 A
P e r-
e x in o u s

6 B
P e r-
e x in o u s

7 C

Fig. 8.8 Codification of Bapung Coal on the basis of vitrinite

and exinite per cent