What is the Difference Between Proximate and Ultimate Analysis of Coal?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between proximate and ultimate analysis of coal lies in the information they provide about the coal's composition.
Proximate analysis focuses on determining the presence of different compounds and their amounts in coal. It involves heating the coal under various conditions for variable amounts of time to determine moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash yield. The main components analyzed in proximate analysis include:
- Fixed carbon
- Volatile matter
- Moisture
- Ash
Ultimate analysis, on the other hand, is the technique used to analyze the elemental composition of coal, such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. It provides more comprehensive results compared to proximate analysis. The ultimate analysis involves combusting a coal sample in an ultimate analyzer, which measures the weight percent of these elements.
In summary, the key difference between proximate and ultimate analysis of coal is that proximate analysis focuses on the ash content and fixed carbon of coal, whereas ultimate analysis focuses on the different chemical elements present in coal.
Comparative Table: Proximate vs Ultimate Analysis of Coal
The following table compares the differences between proximate and ultimate analysis of coal:
| Parameter | Proximate Analysis | Ultimate Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture | Determines the moisture content of coal | Determines the moisture content of coal |
| Volatile Compounds | Determines the volatile compounds in coal | - |
| Ash Content | Determines the ash content of coal | Determines the ash content of coal |
| Fixed Carbon | Determines the fixed carbon content of coal | - |
| Heating Value | Useful for finding out the heating value of coal | - |
| Elemental Composition | - | Determines the chemical composition of coal, i.e., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur |
| Rank of Coals | Indicates the rank of coals based on parameters | - |
Proximate analysis focuses on the physical and chemical properties of coal, such as moisture content, volatile compounds, ash content, and fixed carbon. Ultimate analysis, on the other hand, delves into the elemental composition of coal, including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, along with moisture and ash. While proximate analysis is useful for determining the heating value of coal, ultimate analysis provides a more comprehensive understanding of the coal's chemical composition.
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