Organic and Pyritic Sulfur in Coal: Potential Errors in Determination

摘要

In most laboratories, sulfur species in coal are determined by the ASTM D2492 procedure, which is based upon the preferential leaching of sulfate minerals and pyrite. Where acid leaching does not completely remove pyrite from the coal, reported pyritic sulfur values will be low, and corresponding organic sulfur values will be high, thus adding to an inaccurate characterization of a particular coal sample. Finely disseminated pyrite can be insulated against leaching if contained within coal macerals or clay aggregates, even if samples are pulverized to less than 60 mesh. (ERA citation 09:005694)