Oxidative pyroanalysis: elemental analysis in volatile and non-volatile fractions of coals and related materials

Oxidative pyroanalysis affords accurate and quantitative analysis of coals under various temperature programmes and gas flow conditions. When applied to coals of diverse origins, this technique allows samples and products to be classified from standard proximate and ultimate analyses and from the elemental composition of any fraction. Detection of thermally evolved products from coal (water, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide), produced in the absence of oxidation, is also possible. Comparison with other methods shows good agreement between measured values. Characterization of coal products exemplifies the possibilities of this technique.