Coal primarily comprises carbon, the key element responsible for its calorific value. Alongside carbon, coal contains moisture, mineral residues, volatile matter, and sulfur compounds. Among these, sulfur plays a critical role in determining the environmental impact of coal combustion.
Sulfur in coal exists in both inorganic forms—such as pyritic sulfur (FeS₂) and various sulfates (Na₂SO₄, CaSO₄, FeSO₄)—and in organic compounds like sulfides, mercaptans, and bisulfides. The total sulfur content in coal can range from 0.2% to 5% on a dry-weight basis.
When coal is burned, sulfur is released primarily as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). These gases react with oxygen, water, and other atmospheric elements, eventually forming sulfuric acid. The result is a significant contribution to acid rain, with negative consequences for soil quality, aquatic ecosystems, and human health.
For these reasons, accurate determination of both carbon and sulfur content is essential for evaluating coal quality, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact.
➡️THIS APPLICATION NOTE⬅️explores the flash combustion method for accurate measurement of carbon and sulfur in coal samples with the EMA 502 Elemental Analyzer CHNS-O, making it an ideal solution for both research and industrial applications.