Method for evaluation of the cleanliness grade of coal resources in the Huainan Coalfield,Anhui,China:a case study

Based on analysis of a large data set and supplementary sampling and analysis for hazardous trace elements in coal samples from the Huainan Coalfield,a generalized contrast-weighted scale index method was used to establish a model to evaluate the grade of coal cleanliness and its regional distribution in the main coal seam(No.13-1)The results showed that:(1)The contents of Cr,Mn and Ni in the coal seam are relatively high and the average values are greater than 20μg/g.The contents of Se and Hg are at a high level while most other trace elements are at normal levels.(2)The cleanliness grade of the coal seam is mainly grade III-IV,which corresponds to a relatively good-medium coal cleanliness grade.However,some parts of the seam are at grade V(relatively poor coal cleanliness).(3)Coal of relatively good cleanliness grade(grade III)is distributed mainly in the regions corresponding to the Zhuji-Dingji-Gubei coal mines and in the eastern periphery of the Panji coal mine.Coal of medium cleanliness(grade IV)is distributed mainly in the regions of the Panji-Xiejiaji and Kouzidong coalmines.Relatively poor grade coal(grade V)is distributed in the southwest regions of the coalfield and the contents of Cr,As and Hg in coal collected from the relatively poor coal cleanliness regions often exceed the regulatory standards for the maximum concentration limits.