Abstract: Evaluation of Quality and Quantity Controls on Coal-Resource Assessment and Utilization

J. H. Medlin, S. L. Coleman, G. H. Wood, Jr., K. J. Englund

In the past, quality measurements such as heat value, fixed carbon, moisture, ash, sulfur, phosphorus, and coking and grindability characteristics have been the parameters used for utilization assessments. However, currently more quantitative geologic and geochemical data are necessary for a comprehensive coal-resource assessment because of (1) the development of sophisticated conversion processes, (2) environmental constraints related to coal usage, and (3) the probability that coal contains many mineral byproducts. Gathering such data involves studies on the modes of occurrence, concentration, and distribution of elements both stratigraphically and geographically within a coal bed and a coal basin. In the technologic and environmental realms, many of these elements affe t coal reactivity, gaseous and liquid yields, and planned waste disposal, reclamation, and revegetation. Knowledge of various elements will aid in developing the ability to (1) predict elemental distribution, concentrations, and coal properties in localities where data are sparse; (2) incorporate these data into different classes of coal resources; and (3) categorize coal resources for metallurgical, gasification, liquefaction, petrochemical, and blending usages. Necessary determinations include ash-fusibility temperatures, mineral-matter mineralogy, petrologic characteristics, sulfur forms, pertinent washability data, and the major-, minor-, and trace-element chemistry of coal.

Measurements necessary for resource quantity and quality calculations include: (1) thickness of coal, and rank and quality parameters, (2) depth of the coal bed, and (3) the proximity of the coal resources on which the estimate will be based. Various combinations of these measurements allow the establishment of different resource classes and the estimation of tonnages within each class. The integration and aggregation of quantity and quality coal data with sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and structural data will provide a framework for determining the most efficient use of coal resources, insuring maximum-energy efficiency and conservation, and maintaining environmental integrity.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90975©1976 GCAGS- GC Section SEPM Annual Meeting Shreveport, Louisiana