Petrological and Proximate analysis of Obi-Lafia coal, Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria

Preliminary visual examination of Obi/Lafia coal revealed vitrain, clarain and fusain. Petrological studies established that the coal contained vitrinite, extrinite, fusinite (fossil) and mineral substance mostly pyrite.Examination with research microscope(x20) showed vitrinite to be 70%, Extrinite 14%, fusinite 2% and mineral substance (mostly pyrite) 14%. Proximate analysis revealed 4.33% moisture content,35.66% volatile matter. 9.6% ash content and fixed carbon 50.34%. The density of the coal was 1.26 and inorganic matter 16.54%. Ultimate analysis revealed 3.21 % sulphur content. Samples were heated to about 900°C, it forms cake but breaks with slightly strong pressure applied, which indicates it is probably medium coking.