Related Experiment Videos
Data evaluation of trace elements determined in Nigerian coal using cluster procedures.
1Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. iobewa3@yahoo.com
Summary
Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) identified elemental patterns in Nigerian coals. Cluster analysis revealed distinct groupings, aiding in understanding coalification and predicting fuel quality for efficient energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Large elemental datasets require interpretation to understand host matrix patterns.
- Cluster procedures offer a method for analyzing complex elemental abundance data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine elemental abundances in Nigerian coals using INAA.
- To apply cluster analysis for interpreting coalification histories and predicting fuel ranking.
Main Methods:
- Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) for elemental determination.
- Multi-variate statistics with cluster procedures (SAS, Euclidean distances) for data analysis.
- Quality control using NIST 1632a standard reference material.
Main Results:
- Elemental patterns in Nigerian coals were identified using cluster analysis.
- Coal fly ash segregated distinctly; metallurgical coals grouped with high-ranking coals.
- Enugu and Okaba coals showed high calorific value and low sulfur, indicating efficient fuel potential.
Conclusions:
- Cluster analysis effectively interprets elemental data for Nigerian coals.
- The study provides insights into coalification and fuel ranking.
- Nigerian coals possess characteristics suitable for efficient fuel applications.