Effect of Operating Parameters on HCN and NH3 Release from Australian and Chinese Coals During Temperature-Programmed Pyrolysis

Experiments have been carried out to investigate the effects of operating parameters and coal types on the formation of HCN and NH₃ during coal pyrolysis in a fixed-bed reactor system with temperature-programmed heating. Three coals from China and 2 coals from Australia, ranging in ranks from bituminous coal to anthracite, were used in these experiments. Our experimental results indicate that the formation of HCN and NH₃ is affected by peak temperature, particle size, and gas flow rate. The effects of these operating parameters vary with the coal properties. In addition to coal rank, the petrographic composition and/or geographic origin of the coal are important factors influencing the formation of HCN and NH₃ during pyrolysis.