Skip to main content
Log in

Scanning electron microscopy of Assam coals, India

  • Published:
Journal of the Geological Society of India

Abstract

An examination on the structural features of some coal samples from Makum coalfield, Assam (India) were carried out by using scanning electron microscopy. The morphological characteristics of the macerals were recognized. Collinite was recognizable by its angular shape with characteristic fracture patterns and striated or laminated surfaces. Sporinite particles showed no well-defined shape. Fusinite was remarkable in having a chunky needle form. Chemical and petrographic characteristics of these coals also have been reported. These findings have shown prime importance in fingerprinting the physical structure of these coals.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Cope, M.J. (1979) In: A.G. Douglas and J.R. Maxwell Advances in Organic Geochemistry (Eds.), 663p.

  • Davis, M.R., White, A. and Deegn, M.D. (1986) Scanning electron microscopy of coal macerals. Fuel, v.65, pp.277–280.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garin-valles, M., Pradell, T., Martinez, S. and Vendrell, M. (1993) Mineralogical characterization of the Garumnian subbituminous lignite from the central Pyrenees by SEM-EDX, X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Fuel, v.72, pp.971–975.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gluskoter, H.J., Shimp, N.F. and Ruch, R.R. (1981) In: M.A. Elliott (Ed.), Chemistry of coal Utilization. 2nd supplementary volume, Wiley, New York, 413p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Himus, G.W. (Ed.) (1954) Fuel testing: laboratory methods in fuel technology. Leonard Hill, London, pp.67–78

    Google Scholar 

  • International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (1971, 1973 and 1994)

  • IS 1350 (1984) Part I: Methods of Test for Coal and Coke — Part I: Proximate Analysis

  • IS 9127 (1979) Part 2: Methods for petrographic analysis of coal: Part 2 Preparation of coal samples for petrographic analysis

  • Meyers, R.A. (Ed) (1982) Coal Structure, Acedemic Press, NewYork, 47p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saikia, B.K., Boruah, R.K. and Baruah, G.D. (2007) Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectra of Some High-Sulphur Assam Coals, India. Energy & Fuel, v.21, pp.37–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scott, A.C. and Collinson, M.E. (1978) In: W.B. Whalley (Ed.), Scanning Electron Microscopy in the study of sediments, 137p.

  • Shirazi, A.R., Eklund, L. and Lindqvist, O. (1994) Direct quantitative analysis of mineral matter and different forms of pyritic sulfur in coal by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and automated image analysis (AIA). Fuel, v.73, pp.193–198.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, M.P. (1989) On the origin of fusain of the tertiary coals of Meghalaya. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.33(4), pp.99–103

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, M.P. and Singh, G.P. (1990) Occurrence and distribution of mineral matter in Jammu coals: Emanations of scanning electron micrography, Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.62(4), pp.249–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, M.P. and Singh, P.K. (1995) Mineral matter in Rajmahal coal: Study through incident light microscopy and scanning electron micrography, Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.46, pp.557–564

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, M.P., Singh, R.M. and Chandra, D. (1987) Scanning electron microscopic studies of mineral matter in Ghugus coals, Wardha vally coalfields, district Chandrapur and Yeotmal, Maharastra. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.59(1), pp.56–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stach, E., Mackowsky, M. TH., Teichmuller, M., Taylor, G. H., Chandra, D. and Teichmuller, R. (1982) Stach’s Text Book of Coal Petrology; Gebruden Borntrneger: Stuttgart, Germany, 525p.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Binoy K. Saikia.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Saikia, B.K. Scanning electron microscopy of Assam coals, India. J Geol Soc India 74, 749–752 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-009-0191-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-009-0191-9

Keywords

Navigation