Studies on pyrolysis characteristic of lignite and properties of its pyrolysates

The resources of lignite in Dongsheng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China are abundant. Because of its low energy density and typically high moisture content, lignite is not utilized extensively compared to higher coal grades. This paper focused on pyrolysis characteristic of lignite and the properties of its pyrolysates. The result demonstrated that comprehensive utilization of Dongsheng lignite can be achieved with in-depth knowledge of property of Dongsheng lignite. The pyrolysis experiments on lignite were carried out using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) at four different heating rates of 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C/min and with a final temperature of 600 °C. The kinetics model has been developed and the kinetic parameters are determined from TGA data.

► The properties of lignite and pyrolysates were investigated. ► Effect of heating rates on lignite pyrolysis was studied by thermogravimetry. ► Activation energies and frequency factors were calculated by a two-stage model.