Genesis of Coal Metamorphism of Late PalaeozoicCoals in the South of North China——A Further Approach to the Effects of ThermalGroundwater on Coal Metamorphism

The close relationship between the genesis of coal metamorphism and the evolution of the regional tectonic framework is expounded on the basis of an analysis of the geological factors causing the metamorphic zonation of the Late Palaeozoic coals in southern North China; in terms of the mechanism for the formation of palaeogeothermal anomalies, the effects of thermal groundwater on coal metamorphism is highlighted and a geological model for thermal groundwater metamorphism of coal established; with the concept of the palaeogeotherm-coal metamorphism system, the genesis of coal metamorphism is analysed according to the distribution pattern of three geological factors: heat source, heat-carrier and channel, and heat-collector.     

The Influence of CO on the Carbon Isotopic Composition of CH_4 in Closed Pyrolysis Experiment With Coal

1IntroductionThecarbonisotopiccompositionofnaturalgasesisregardedasacontanttracerusedinthegeochemicalresearchofnaturalgases .Basedonthecarbonisotopiccomposition ,thegenetictypesofnaturalgasesarebasicallydividedtodeterminethematurationofnaturalgasesandmakegas sourcecorrelations (Stahl,1 973;StahlandCarey ,1 975;Stahletal.,1 977;James ,1 983;Schoell,1 983,1 988;DaiJinxingetal.,1 992 ;FuJiamoetal.,1 992 ;XuYongchang ,1 994 ) .Theformationofnaturalgasescouldbededucedintermsofcarbonisotopicvar…     

The Influence of CO on the Carbon Isotopic Composition of CH4 in Closed Pyrolysis Experiment With Coal

A low-mature coal (R_o=0.4%, from the Manjia'er depression, Tarim Basin, China) was subjected to closed system pyrolysis, in sealed gold tubes, under isothermal temperature conditions. The carbon isotopic compositions of the pyrolyst fractions (hydrocarbon, CO₂, CO, etc.) at two temperature points (350°C and 550°C) were measured. The results showed that {ie359-1} value is generally heavier at 350°C than that at 550°C, because the high abundance of CO generated at low temperature would greatly influence {ie359-2} value, and the retention time of CO in gas chromatograph is close to that of CH₄. But CO is formed through chemical reaction of the oxygen-containing functional group −C=O, e.g. lactones, ketones, ether, etc. at low temperature, while CO₂ comes mainly from decarboxylization. The carbon isotopic composition of coal gas from Lanzhou Coal Gas Works was definitely different from that of thermally pyrolysed products from coal. The {ie359-3} value of coal gas was abnormally heavier than {ie359-4}. At the same time, the reversed sequence ({ie359-5}) of {ie359-6} and {ie359-7} happened. The bond energy of free ions generally decides the sequence of generation of hydrocarbon fractions according to the chemical structure, whereas the stability of pyrolysate fractions and their carbon isotope fractionation are affected by the C−C bond energy. This study was supported by the National Basic Research (973) Program of China (No. 2001CB209102).     

Volcanic Event Layers-A Marker Bed of Correlation of Coal Measures

Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian volcanic event deposits from two cross sections in Nanpiao, Liaoning Province, and the Daqing Mountains, Inner Mongolia, were examined by systematic rock and mineral identification, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and trace element and rare earth element quantitative analysis. According to the results, twelve sequences of volcanic event deposits have been distinguished from bottom to top, including 34-39 volcanic event layers. As these layers each have their own distinctive petrological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics and were derived from the same source, they provide new evidence for further ascertaining the distribution characteristics of volcanic event deposits on the northern margin of the North China plate and carrying out the stratigraphic correlation using volcanic event layers as marker beds.     

Applications of Remote Sensing Techniques in Coal Geology

Through applied researches, the regularity of thermal infrared radiation of the coal seams has been found, a model of thermal radiation of the coal seams established, and the internal relations of the information extracted from remote sensing images with coal seams and coal measures revealed. Through a series of complete tests of remote sensing techniques such as multi-level (space, aerial and ground) synchronous remote-sensing and multi-directional, multiband and multitemporal remote sensing, the optimal procedure for applications of remote sensing techniques in coal geology has been determined. The theories and methods established in the applied researches have yielded apparent economic results and social benefits in respect to coal field prediction, coal reconnaissance, coal geological surveys and detection of geological hazards in coal mines.     

Effects of Coal Rank and High Organic Sulfur on the Structure and Optical Properties of Coal-based Graphene Quantum Dots

Coal‐based graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were successfully produced via a one‐step chemical synthesis from six different coal ranks, from which two superhigh organic sulfur (SHOS) coals were selected as natural S‐doped carbon sources for the preparation of S‐doped GQDs. The effects of coal properties on coal‐based GQDs were analyzed by means of high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) absorption spectroscopy, and fluorescence emission spectra. It was shown that all coal samples can be used to prepare GQDs, which emit blue‐green and blue fluorescence under ultraviolet light. Anthracite‐based GQDs have a hexagonal crystal structure without defects, the largest size, and densely arranged carbon rings in their lamellae; the high‐rank bituminous coal‐based GQDs are relatively reduced in size, with their hexagonal crystal structure being only faintly visible; the low‐rank bituminous coal‐based GQDs are the smallest, with sparse lattice fringes and visible internal defects. As the metamorphism of raw coals increases, the yield decreases and the fluorescence quantum yield (QY) initially increases and then decreases. Additionally, the surface of GQDs that were prepared using high‐rank SHOS coal (high‐rank bituminous coal) preserves rich sulfur content even after strong oxidation, which effectively adjusts the bandgap and improves the fluorescence QY. Thus, high‐rank bituminous coal with SHOS content can be used as a natural S‐doped carbon source to prepare S‐doped GQDs, extending the clean utilization of low‐grade coal.     

Valency Study of Vanadium in Stone Coal Ash of Jiangxi Province

Vanadium-bearing stone coal is a new vanadium resource;recovery ofV_2O_5 from the coal has been investigated.It has been found that a satisfactoryextraction of V_2O_5 depends on both the oxidation of V and its reaction with so-dium salt.V in the coal ash of Yushan mainly exists in two oxidation states:98％V(Ⅲ)and2％V(Ⅳ).The distribution of valency of V shows that organicmatter determines V valency at low temperatures,at about470℃,V(Ⅲ)iscompletely oxidized to V(Ⅳ);above500℃,the temperature is the most impor-tant factor for the oxidation of V .At higher temperatures no more V is oxidizedto V(Ⅴ);an equilibrium is established after92％of V is oxidized to V(Ⅴ).The roles of NaCl in the recovery of V_2O_5 from the coal ash were discussed.The best conditions for roasting are temperature750-800℃for1 h.underthe oxidation-chlorination atmosphere.When the ore:NaCl=100:10 by weight,η_roast reaches85.5％.According to the results,a flowsheet for V_2O_5 extrac-tion from coal ash has been proposed.     

Sulfur Isotopic Characteristics of Coal in China and Sulfur Isotopic Fractionation during Coal—burning Process

The determined results of the sulfur contents and isotopic composition of coal samples from major coal mines in 15 provinces and regions of China show that the coal mined in the north of China is characterized by higher ^34S and lower sulfur content, but that in the south of China has lower ^34S and higher sulfur content.During the coal-burning process in both indrstrial and daily use of coal as fuel the released sulfur dioxide is always enriched in lighter sulfur isotope relative to the corresponding coal;the particles are always enriched in heavier sulfur isotope.The discussion on the environmental geochemical significance of the above-mentioned results also has been made.     

The Production and Release of CFCs from Coal Combustion

The destruction of the ozone layer in the atmosphere caused by industrially synthesized CFCs has aroused greatest concerns from the international society, but the CFCs formed from burning of coal containing fluorine have not been recognized by the world yet. In the present study, we condensed the gas through cold traps and used the GC-MS to measure the gas composition, and found that the content of CFC-12 in the smog from coal combustion was significantly higher than the background value of the local atmosphere. This proves that CFC-12 is formed in the process of coal combustion. This paper discusses a new source of non-synthesized CFCs.     

Risk Assessment of Coal Floor Water Inrush from Underlying Aquifers Based on GRA–AHP and Its Application

Ground water inrush from underlying coal seam aquifers is a serious geohazard during coal mining in China. In order to effectively predict coal floor water inrush, the evaluation index system and evaluation standard for coal floor water inrush, containing quantitative indexes and qualitative indexes, is established on the base of conditions of aquifer and aquiclude, geologic structure and mining disturbance. Simultaneously, grey relational analysis and analytic hierarchy process are used to establish an evaluation model which efficiently overcomes the uncertainty between indexes of water inrush effects and really reflects the degree of importance for each index of water inrush effects. The model is applied to the typical working face of Yuzhou coalfield in the north of China to demonstrate the evaluation process. Compared to the water inrush coefficient method which is widely used for evaluating coal floor water inrush, the presented evaluation model in this paper accords more with the susceptibility of coal floor water inrush by multi-factor and is of nonlinear dynamic characteristics of highly complicated formation mechanism. This method offers a new tool in the assessment of ground water inrush in mine.     

Microstructures of Coal and Their Relation with Gas Outhursts——A Case Study of the Yutianbao Coal Mine, Nantong, Sichuan

Outbursts of coal and gas are closely related to coal microstructures. Part of microstructures of coal areassociated with the coal-forming environments, but most of them are produced by tectonic deformation. In thispaper the types of microstructures of coal are distinguished according to the types and features of tectonicdeformations, which is convenient and can be easily employed by geologists. Based on the SEM study on coalpetrography of No.4 and No.6 coal seams of the Yutianbao coal mine, Nantong coal field, five types of coalare distinguished: nontectonic coal, microfissure coal, microcleavage coal, cataclastic coal and mylonitic coal.The microstructural features of various types are described in detail and their geological implications and rela-tionships with coal and gas outbursts are also discussed. Special mention is made of a series of the features ofplastic deformation of mylonitic coal. It is concluded that, other things being equal, the place with myloniticcoal is the most likely risk site for outbusts.The process and mechanism of coal and gas outbursts are suggested based on a series of changes inmicrostructures of the coal after bursting. In the process of gas outbursts, the plastic deformation issuperimposed by brittle deformation, thus ejecting large quantities of coal dust.     

Characteristics of Coal Ashes in Yanzhou Mining District and Distribution of Trace Elements in Them

In the process of combustion of coal organic and inorganic materials in it will undergo a complex variation.Part of thew will become volatiles and,together with coal smoke,enter into atmosphere,some will remain in micro-particulates such as ash and dust and find their way into atmosphere in the form of solid particles,and the rest will be retained in ash and slag.Coal ashes are the residues of organic and inorganic substances in coal left after coal combustion and the compostition of coal ashes in dependent on that of minerals and organic matter in coal.This paper deals with the chemical composition of coal ashes,the distribution of trace elements in them and their petrological characteristics,and also studies the relationship between the yield of coal ashes and the distribution of trace elements.In addition,a preliminary study in also undertaken on the factors that affect the chemical composition of coal ashes.As viewed from the analyses of coal ash samples collected from the Yanzhou mining district,it can be seen clearly that coal ashes from the region studied are composed chiefly of crystalline materials,glassy materials and uncombusted organic matter and the major chemical compositions are SiO2,Al2O3,Fe2O3,and CaO,as well as minor amounts of SO3,PWO5,Na2O,K2O and TiO2.During the combustion of coal,its trace elements will be redistributed and most of them are enriched in coal ashes.At the same time,the concentrations of the trace elements in flying ash are much higher than those of bottom ash,i.e.,with decreasing particle-size of coal ashes their concentrations will become higher and higher.So the contents of trace elements are negatively proportional to the particle-size of coal ashes.There has been found a positive correlation between the trace elements Th.V.Zn,Cu and Pb and the yield of coal ashes while a negative correlation between Cl and the yield of coal ashes.     

Investigation of the Structure of Geological Process through Multivariate Statistical Analysis—The Creation of a Coal

The purpose of this study was to capture the structure of a geological process within a multivariate statistical framework by using geological data generated by that process and, where applicable, by associated processes. It is important to the practitioners of statistical analysis in geology to determine the degree to which the geological process can be captured and explained by multivariate analysis by using sample data (for example, chemical analyses) taken from the geological entity created by that process. The process chosen for study here is the creation of a coal deposit. In this study, the data are chemical analyses expressed in weight percentage and parts per million, and therefore are subject to the affects of the constant sum phenomenon. The data array is the chemical composition of the whole coal. This restriction on the data imposed by the constant sum phenomenon was removed by using the centered logratio (clr) transformation. The use of scatter plots and principal component biplots applied to the raw and centered logratio (clr) transformed data arrays affects the interpretation and comprehension of the geological process of coalification.     

Coal pore characteristics at different freezing temperatures under conditions of freezing–thawing cycles

Most coal reservoirs in China have low permeability, which causes gas drainage to be inefficient. The method of cyclic cryogenic fracturing basing on freezing–thawing (F–T) fracturing effects is proposed to break coal to increase its permeability. An F–T experiment was carried out at different freezing temperatures using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) test and an ultrasonic test. We investigated the evolution of coal pore structure under different freezing temperature F–T cycles and the mechanism of F–T fracturing. The results indicate that the frost force and the thermal stress in the cyclical process of F–T work together to cause fracture formation and fatigue damage. When the freezing temperature decreases, the network of pores and fissures becomes more developed and the number of mesopores, macropores and micro-fractures increases. This suggests that the network of pore-fractures in coal will be more interconnected and the space available for gas seepage will be larger. Ultimately, this significantly increases the efficiency of gas drainage.     

Geological Controls on the CBM Productivity of No.15 Coal Seam of Carboniferous–Permian Taiyuan Formation in Southern Qinshui Basin and Prediction for CBM High-yield Potential Regions

Coalbed methane (CBM) resources in No.15 coal seam of Taiyuan Formation account for 55% of the total CBM resources in southern Qinshui Basin (SQB), and have a great production potential. This study aims at investigating the CBM production in No.15 coal seam and its influence factors. Based on a series of laboratory experiments and latest exploration and development data from local coal mines and CBM companies, the spatial characteristics of gas production of No.15 coal seam were analyzed and then the influences of seven factors on the gas productivity of this coal seam were discussed, including coal thickness, burial depth, gas content, ratio of critical desorption pressure to original coal reservoir pressure (RCPOP), porosity, permeability, and hydrogeological condition. The influences of hydrological condition on CBM production were analyzed based on the discussions of four aspects: hydrogeochemistry, roof lithology and its distribution, hydrodynamic field of groundwater, and recharge rate of groundwater. Finally, a three-level analytic hierarchy process (AHP) evaluation model was proposed for predicting the CBM potentials of the No.15 coal seam in the SQB. The best prospective target area for CBM production of the No.15 coal seam is predicted to be in the districts of Panzhuang, Chengzhuang and south of Hudi.     

Diagenesis of diatomite from the Kolubara Coal Basin,Baroševac,Serbia

Diatomite associated with the Kolubara Coal Basin was studied to better understand early stage silica diagenesis of shallow water deposits. The Kolubara Basin consists of Neogene siliciclastic rocks, diatomite, marlstone and rare carbonates. Palaeozoic metamorphic and Mesozoic sedimentary and igneous basement rocks are transgressively overlain by Upper Miocene sandstone, siltstone, shale and mudstone. This Upper Miocene section is transgressively overlain by the Pontian section, which contains diatomite and coal beds. White and grey diatomite forms beds 0.7-2.2 m thick that are continuous over an area of about 2 km². Siliceous rocks vary in composition from diatomite (81-89 per cent SiO₂) to diatom-bearing shale (58-60 per cent SiO₂). Siliceous deposits are laminated in places, with the laminae defined by variations in clay minerals, organic matter and diatoms. Diatomite shows only incipient diagenesis characterized by the fragmentation of diatom frustules, the minor to moderate corrosion of frustules and the formation of minor amounts of opal-A' (X-ray amorphous inorganic opal) cement. The low degree of diagenesis results from the young age of the deposits, low burial temperatures and possibly also from the presence of abundant organic matter and the dissolution of kaolinite. The presence of only weak diagenesis is also reflected by the characteristically poor consolidation of the rocks and low rank of the associated coal.     

Distribution Characteristics of Sulfur and the Main Harmful Trace Elements in China’s Coal

To promote the rational development and use of clean coal resources in China, data on the regional and age distribution of sulfur, arsenic and other harmful elements in Chinese coal was broadly collected, tested for content, and analyzed. Coal in northwestern China is characterized by low to extremely low levels of sulfur; the coal of the Taiyuan Formation in northern China mainly has high-sulfur content; that of the Shanxi Formation is mainly characterized by low sulfur coal; and the Late Permian coal in southern China has overall higher sulfur content; other regions have low sulfur coal. The average content of harmful trace elements in the bulk of China＇s coal is similar to the corresponding content in the coal of the North America and the rest of the world, whereas the content of various elements （Hg, Sb and Se） is different in magnitude to the corresponding percentage in the crust. The average content of the elements Cr, Se, Co, Be, U, Br in Late Permian coal in S China ranks first in the country whereas the average content of Hg and CI in the coals of Late Carboniferous to Early Permian age in N China are the highest. The average content of Mn in Early and Middle Jurassic coal is higher in NW China. The high content of harmful elements in some coal should cause particular concern both in the development and utilization of coal.     

Geochemical and Mineralogical Characteristics of Pleistocene Lignites and Associated Sediments of Marathousa Coal Field,Central Peloponnese,Greece

The mineralogy and geochemistry data are presented for thirty-seven shales,four concretions,two carbonate sediments and seven lignites from the Marathousa coal field of the Megalopolis Basin in Greece.The argillaceous rocks consist of chlorite,illite,kaolinte,albite,quartz.opal-A,calcite and dolomite;the concretions of aragonite,gypsum and pyrite;and the carbonate rocks of calcite,quartz and illite.The mineral matter in the lignites consists of gypsum,quartz,albite,chlorite,illite,opal-A,dolomite,pyrite,and rarely calcite and kaolinite Athree-factor model explains the total variaition of major and trace elements in the argillaceous sediments.The first factor is an aluminosilicate factor and involves the following elements:Al,Si,Mg,Na,K,Ti,Mn,Nb,Y,Rb,Zn,Cu,Ni,Cr,Nband V,associated with chlorite,albite and illite.The second factor involves the elements Ca,Sr,Ba,Znand Sc and is related to carbonate lithology and mainly the carbonate concretions with gypsum.The third factor involves Fe and Ce with a weak association with Mn.The diagenesis of the Marathousa sediments and lignites was not very advanced as indicated by (a) the total thickness of the sequence (500m),(b) the presence of biogenic silica(opal-A) and (c) the age of the deposit(Pleistocene).FOr these reasons the rpresence of chlorite,illite and kaolinite in the sediments and lignite is due not to diagenetic reactions but to weathering of the flysch and metamorphic rocks at the edges of the Megalopolis Basin and transport of the weathering products(illite,chlorite,kaolinite)into the basin of deposition.The diagenetic minerals of the Marathousa sequence include pyrite,gypsum,dolomite and aragonite.     

Effect of Aspergillus niger on weathering of phosphorite rock

Weathering mechanism of phosphorite rock by Aspergillus niger has been studied. Ten strains of phosphate-solubilizing fungi were isolated from rhizosphere soils by using dilute plate method in solid inorganic phosphorus culture. According to the size of soluble phosphate circle in the medium, a strain of stronger phosphate-solubilizing fungus was acquired, which was identified as, Aspergillus niger using identification methods of morphology and ITS sequences comparison in Genbank. In liquid culture, incubation in static state, the weathering of apatite rock with the fungus by contrast method： putting apatite powder （200 mesh） in liquid culture medium of flask, inoculation fungus after autoclave （setting sterile control） for studying direct weathering process; putting dialysis bag with apatite powder （200 mesh） in liquid culture medium of flask, inoculation fungus after autoclave （setting sterile control） for studying indirect weathering process.     

Research on analytical method of multi-slip surfaces of landslide based on softening characteristics of geomaterialEI北大核心CSCD

Landslide often exhibits characteristics of multi-stage destruction in practical engineering. However, the most dangerous slip surface and corresponding minimum safety factor are only concerned in general computing and design, this often leaves security risk. Considering the softening characteristics of geomaterial, a theoretical framework of effective simulation and evaluation of landslide multi-stage destruction is established with FLAC(3D) and Matlab software platform. Taken landslide in low-rent housing area of Dangjiaba in Xunyang county as an example, the process of forming multi-slip surfaces is revealed by progressive evolution of plastic shear strain, plastic tensile strain and shear strain increment and so on. It is shown that time and space sequences are not necessarily corresponding sequence. The temporal sequences of multi-slip surfaces are first-class main slip surface, second-class main slip surface and sub-slip surface; the spatial sequence is first-class master slip surface, sub-slip surface and second-class main slip surface. The number of slip surfaces is equal to the number of tension cracks in collecting on-site. The entry location of first-class main slip surface is in excellent agreement with the tension crack in the frontal part of landslide, but the positions of second-class master slip surface and sub-slip surface have little error with the tension crack on-site. The distribution and magnitude of strength parameters in the slip surfaces gradually change with the development of slip surface from peak strength to residual strength, this is the root reason why the multi-slip surfaces of landslide can be simulated effectively. The evolution of vector sum safety factors according the temporospatial distribution of material parameters in the multi-slip surfaces is obtained. It turns out that there are three different sequences of safety factors in the process of forming the multi-slip surfaces of landslide. It illustrates the active and passive relationships among all slip surfaces in the formation process.