Features of the Combustion of Coals in an Oxygen Atmosphere and Water–Oxygen Fluid at Elevated Pressure

The paper studies the oxidation of coals with different degrees of coalification in an oxygen atmosphere and water–oxygen fluid (oxygen excess ratio 1.22–1.43) when heating the reactor at a constant rate (1 deg/min) to 550°C. From the time dependences of the temperature and pressure of the reaction mixtures, it follows that the addition of water to oxygen reduces the ignition temperature of coals and intensifies their combustion. This effect is most pronounced for coals with a high degree of coalification. At certain values of total heat release, the oxidation of coals in both the O2 atmosphere and water–oxygen fluid (H2O–O2 fluid) occurs by the thermal explosion mechanism. The influence of the composition of organic and mineral components of coals on their ability to ignite is discussed.