What is proximate and ultimate analysis of coal?

Answer 1

The "ultimate" analysis" gives the composition of the biomass in wt% of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen (the major components) as well as sulfur and nitrogen (if any). The carbon determination includes that present in the organic coal substance and any originally present as mineral carbonate. The hydrogen determination includes that in the organic materials in coal and in all water associated with the coal. All nitrogen determined is assumed to be part of the organic materials in coal.

The "proximate" analysis gives moisture content, volatile content,consisting of gases and vapors driven off during pyrolysis (when heated to 950 C), the fixed carbon and the ash,the inorganic residue remaining after combustion in the sample and the high heating value (HHV) based on the complete combustion of the sample to carbon dioxide and liquid water. Proximate analysis is the most often used analysis for characterizing coals in connection with their utilization.