Abstract |
The paper gives results of analyzing representative samples of 20 Chinese utility coals for mercury content, and proximate, ultimate, and heating values. The data for these bituminous coals, obtained from China with the cooperation of the Chinese University of Mining Technology, were compared with data for U.S. utility coals. It was found that the average mercury level is on the same order of magnitude for the Chinese and U.S. coals. The Chinese coals appear to have a wider variation in mercury level. The measured results were also compared with data reported by a Chinese paper, which were obtained from an extensive literature search in Chinese publications. The current mercury data did not show any correlation with either sulfur content or ash content of the samples. The result was also discussed under the general background of past, current, and projected future coal use in China. More work is planned to achieve the eventual goal of obtaining a mercury emissions inventory from coal combustion in China. |