An Improved Comprehensive Model of Pyrolysis of Large Coal Particles to Predict Temperature Variation and Volatile Component Yields

Abstract

In this work, an improved comprehensive model was developed for large coal particles to predict temperature variation and volatile component yields. The kinetics model of volatile component yields, where the volatile matters were assumed to comprise nine species, was combined with heat transfer model. The interaction between volatile yield and heat transfer during pyrolysis of large Maltby coal particles was investigated. An apparent temperature difference has been observed between the surface and core of particles at the initial heating stage. The non-uniform temperature distribution inside coal particles causes non-simultaneous volatile yields release from the surface and core area. The volatile release occurs after the coal temperature rises higher than 350 °C, and its yield steeply increases within the temperature range of 450–520 °C. The peak of volatile release rate corresponds to about 485 °C due to the rapid release of tar and H2O. The tar is almost completely released at around 550 °C. With the increasing particle size, the difference in temperature and volatile yield between the surface and core increases at the end of heating. The results are expected to provide insights into the interaction between heat transfer and volatile yields during pyrolysis of large coal particles.