Experimental investigation on the conversion of nitrogenous gas products during coal pyrolysis

The conversion of nitrogenous gas products during coal pyrolysis is investigated in a drop tube reactor. Four raw coals and two demineralized coals have been used for pyrolysis at 500°C, 700°C, 900°C and 1100°C. The results indicate that the yields of N2 and NO precursors, such as HCN and NH3, increase with increasing temperature. Coal type has significant effect on the yield of nitrogenous gas products. For lower rank coal, the conversion of fuel nitrogen is higher. Majority of fuel nitrogen in high rank coals is built into condensed aromatic structures to form Char-N. The mineral matters in coal can promote the conversion of fuel nitrogen to N2, but they can also suppress the conversion of fuel nitrogen to HCN and NH3.