Microstructural changes during anthracite char gasification and its effect on gasification reactivity

The gasification reactivity of two anthracite chars with different coal rank and one demineralized anthracite char was determined at atmospheric pressure using fixed bed reactor. The microstructural characteristics of the initial anthracite chars were measured using N2 and CO2 as adsorbate. The variations of microstructure during gasification were measured using CO2 as adsorbate. The effect of mineral matter in anthracite on the variation of microstructure was investigated. The results show that both steam and CO2 play a role in opening micropores and enlarging them. The anthracite char steam gasification reactivity is proportional to its microporous surface area. However, there is no correlation exists between anthracite char CO2 gasification reactivity and its microporous surface area. The mineral matter in anthracite has no influence on the variation of microstructure during gasification.