Sorption–Dilatometric Properties of Coal from a High-Methane Mine in a CO2 and CH4 Atmosphere

Abstract

Although highly developed countries are trying to diversify away from coal-based energy, many economies rely on this resource. Its consumption results in the production of carbon dioxide, which promotes global warming, necessitating its sequestration. This paper presents the sorption–dilatometric relationships of hard coal samples differing in vitrinite and inertinite content. The studies were carried out under isothermal conditions (298 K) at a free pressure drop complemented by measurements under non-isothermal conditions (298 K to 323 K). The tests were performed on an original apparatus, based on the operation of an Arduino microcontroller. For the natural porosity to be preserved and for a better representation of the behaviour of the coal–gas system, samples in the form of cuboidal blocks were used, making this apparatus unique worldwide. Based on the study, it appears that the difference in petrographic composition affects the behaviour of the coal structure, influencing differences in the sorption–dilatometric properties. In the case of the sample with higher vitrinite content, the amount of adsorbed gases is higher.