Pyrolysis of coal at high temperatures

This paper presents data on the pyrolysis of a subbituminous coal and of tar produced by the rapid pyrolysis of this coal in a small fluidized bed reactor and in a shock tube. Kinetic parameters for light gas formation from secondary reactions of the tar have been determined. The results also provide evidence that secondary reactions of the tar are a source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) observed during pyrolysis. Data are also presented to show the effect of preparation conditions on the combustion kinetics of chars produced by rapid pyrolysis.