Physical, chemical and thermal changes in the transformation of coal to coke

A new technique allows dynamic measurements of physical, chemical and thermal changes in the transformation of coal to coke. The endothermic and exothermic processes were indentified by apparent specific heat while the carbonisation was indicated by the estimated thermal conductivity as a function of temperature of the coal. Evaluations of swelling and permeability of the coal were synchronously evolved as the thermal changes were estimated. Also, the technique allows for continuous quantitative elemental characterization of gases and tars as they were evolved during pyrolysis. Mechanisms and reactions in the transformation of coal to coke are clarified by measuring the properties of one coal maceral concentrate using this technique.