ABSTRACT
In the quest for search of suitable coal deposits for power generation, the qualities of four Nigerian coal samples from Kurumu (Gombe State), Garin-maiganga (Bauchi State), Gindi-akwati (Plateau State) and Ogboyoba (Kogi State) deposits were analysed to assess their suitability for power generation. The coal samples were subjected to proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, calorific value determination, thermogravimetric analysis, ash fusion temperature analysis, ash composition analysis and auto-ignition temperature determination. Tests were carried out in Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, Kaduna and Beijing University of Technology (BUT), China. From the results of these analyses, Kurumu coal deposit was found to be a sub-bituminous, low ash and low sulphur coal. Garin-maiganga coal deposit was found to be a sub-bituminous, medium ash and low sulphur coal. Gindi-akwati coal deposit was found to be a lignitic, high ash and low sulphur coal while Ogboyoba coal deposit was found to be a subbituminous, low ash and low sulphur coal. Kurumu, Garin-maiganga and Ogboyoba coal deposits with calorific values of 25.71MJ/kg, 23.37MJ/kg and 24.78MJ/kg respectively, can be used for power generation using the integrated gasifier combustion cycle clean coal technology. However, Gindi-akwati coal deposit with a calorific value of 11.56MJ/kg can be used for power generation using circulating fluidised bed combustion technology due to its tolerance of a wide variety of coals. The self-ignition temperature and ease of combustion of the coal samples in decreasing order of their volatile ratio is Gindi-akwati (0.58), Garin-maiganga (0.49), Ogboyoba (0.48) and Kurumu (0.47).