Application of TG–DTA to the study of Amynteon lignites, northern Greece

In the present study thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were carried out for seven lignite samples from Amynteon lignite deposit, northern Greece. The samples were chosen to represent the vertical distribution of the lignite beds in the entire deposit. Samples were heated up to 1000°C at a constant rate of 10°C/min in a 150 cm3/min flow of nitrogen (N2). The burning profiles of the samples studied, combined with proximate analysis and calorimetry results, contribute to a clearer identification of Amynteon lignites’ structure and a better understanding of the coalification process. DTA and TG curves of all samples studied showed similar patterns. Seven thermal effects were distinguished (three endothermic and four exothermic). A good correlation between the results of proximate and calorimetry analyses and the DTA and TG data is noticed.