Synthesis Of Activated Carbon From Enugu Coal
The synthesis of activated carbon from Enugu coal involves a complex and intricate process aimed at harnessing the inherent properties of the coal for various applications. Enugu coal, abundant in carbonaceous material, undergoes a series of controlled activation procedures to yield activated carbon with enhanced porous structures and desirable adsorption characteristics. Through a meticulous activation process, the coal is subjected to high temperatures and specific activating agents, resulting in the removal of impurities and the creation of a highly porous structure. This tailored approach ensures the development of activated carbon with a high surface area, making it proficient in adsorbing a myriad of substances. The synthesis not only taps into the carbon-rich nature of Enugu coal but also harnesses its unique properties to produce activated carbon suitable for diverse applications, ranging from water purification to gas adsorption, thereby contributing to sustainable and resourceful utilization of coal-derived materials in contemporary environmental and industrial contexts.
This project was carried out using coal sample from Onyeama coal mine Enugu, Enugu State. Activated coal was produced by carbonizing the coal and activating it using phosphoric acid at a temperature of 5500c. the degree of bleaching of raw palm oil was monitored using spectronic meter through absorbance measurement. The essence was to identify suitability of the coal as a bleaching agent on palm oil. Comparison of the result obtained was made with the commercial fuller’s earth.
From the result obtained that 0.45mm, 0.18mm and <0.075mm particle size of the activated coal was used at size and at variable temperature of 1200c, 1600c and 2000c were carried out, the average percented colour absorption for the activated coal from Enugu was found to be 80, 81 and 89 respectively. This, the optimal particle size, temperature and weight was obtained to be 0.18mm 2000c and log/100ml of palm oil respectively.
Further it was identified that the smaller the particle size of the activated coal, the higher the percentage colour reduction.
It was also observed that the temperature has a large effect on the bleaching of palm using coal. This percentage colour reduction increase as the temperature increases.
It could be conclude that coal is a poor absorber though if activated properly can used as a bleasching.
Title page
Letter of transmittal
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of content
Abstract
1.0 CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Scope/ objective
2.0 CHAPTER TWO
2.1 Historical origin of coal
2.2 Historical development of activated carbon
2.3 Formation of coal
2.4 Classification of coal
2.4a Bank
2.4b Ultimate analysis
2.4c Proximate analysis
2.50 Properties of coal
2.51 Physical properties of coal
2.52 Chemical properties
2.6 Uses of coal
2.7 Activated process
2.8 Coal activation process
2.81 Chemical activation
2.82 Coal classification
2.83 Classification process
2.84 Use at activated carbon
2.9 Use at activated carbon
3.0 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Experimental process
3.1 Equipment and apparatus used
3.2 Material used
3.3 Experimental
3.3.1 Carbonization process
3.3.2 Activation process
3.4 Characterization of activated coal
3.4.1 Determination of bulk density and porosity
3.4.2 Save analysis
3.5 Bleaching operation
3.6 Characterization of oil sample (bleached)
3.6.1 Iodine value (IV)
3.6.2 Free fatty acid/acid value (A.V)
3.6.3 Specification value
3.6.4 Etherification value (S.V)
3.6.5 Peroxide value (P.V)
3.6.6 Specific gravity
3.6.7 Determination of melting point of palm oil
3.6.8 Determination of bolting point of palm oil
4.0 CHAPTER FOUR
Experimental
4.1 Table 4.1 determination of density and porosity
4.2 Table 4.2 sieve analysis table
4.3 Table 4.3 spectranic reading of the unbleached oil
4.4 Table 4.4 bleaching effect of activated coal
4.4 Table 4.6 iodine value
4.5 Table 4.7 specification value
4.6 Table 4.8 acid value
4.7 Table 4.9 peroxide value
4.8 Concise table characterization of activated coal and bleached oil
CHAPTER FIVE
Discussion
5.0 CHAPTER SIX
Recommendation and conclusion
Reference
INTRODUCTION
Synthesis of coal activated carbon from coal involves the production of activates carbon from coal and the use of it as on adsorbent or adsorptive material which is used in bleaching processes.
An adsorptive material or adsorbent is this a solid which is able to adsorb a considerable amount of gas or liquid. The gas or liquid been adsorbed is referred to as the adsorbed. Adsorbed material may occur nature all or may be prepared synthetically.
The naturally occurring carbonados material such as coal, wood, coconut shell or bones are decomposed in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of about 500k. the product will not be porous so it will need additional treatment or activation to generate a system of fine pores. The carbon can be produced in the activated state by treating the raw material with chemical like zinc chloride or phosphoric acid before carbonizing.
Activated carbon has a surface area, typically of 106 m2/kg mostly associated with a set of pores about 2nm in diameter. Though there is likely to be another set of pores about 100nm in diameter, not contributing much the surface area.
Activated carbon may be used as a powder, in which from it is mixed in with the liquid to be treated, and then removed by filtration. It is also be used in granular form.
Hence by carefully choosing the starting material and the activated process it can be possible to generate in carbon a pore system with a narrow spore of pore size. This activated carbon can be synthesized from coal.
1.2 SCOPE/OBJECTIVE
The scope/objective of this project word according to the topic “synthesis of coal activated carbon from Enugu using any available method of production, vertical, rotary, horizontal and fluidized bed method could be used in the production of the activated carbon from the coal.
It is also limited to the product of activated carbon in powdery form and by synthetic chemical process (using zinc chloride and phosphoric acid). Thus any of the above method could also be used for the carbonization any gasification processes.
The activated carbon produced can be used for dry-cleaning solvent in pharmaceuticals, sugar decolorizing drinking water purification and above all edible oil and fat refining.
Synthesis Of Activated Carbon From Enugu Coal:
The synthesis of activated carbon from Enugu coal, or from any coal source, typically involves a multi-step process that includes carbonization and activation. Activated carbon is a highly porous material with a large surface area, which makes it suitable for various applications like water purification, air filtration, and adsorption of various chemicals. Here is a general outline of the synthesis process:
Coal Selection: Start by selecting high-quality Enugu coal. The quality of the coal can impact the properties of the final activated carbon.
Drying: The first step is to remove moisture from the coal. This can be done by air-drying or using an oven at a relatively low temperature. The goal is to reduce the moisture content to less than 10%.
Carbonization: Carbonization is the process of heating the dried coal in the absence of air to convert it into carbon. This step is typically done in a furnace or kiln. The coal is heated to temperatures between 600°C and 900°C to remove volatile components and leave behind carbonized material, often called “char.”
Activation: Activation is the process of creating porosity in the carbonized material to increase its surface area. There are two main methods for activation:
a. Chemical Activation: In this method, the carbonized material (char) is impregnated with chemicals like potassium hydroxide (KOH) or zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Then, it’s heated again in an inert atmosphere. The chemicals react with the carbon to create pores. The choice of activation agent and temperature can affect the properties of the activated carbon.
b. Physical Activation: This method involves exposing the carbonized material to high temperatures in the presence of an inert gas (usually steam or carbon dioxide). The rapid heating causes the material to expand and develop pores. This process is also known as “steam activation.”
Washing and Filtration: After activation, the activated carbon is washed thoroughly to remove any remaining impurities or activation agents. This is typically done using water or an acid solution.
Drying: The washed activated carbon is dried to remove any remaining moisture.
Sizing and Packaging: The activated carbon can be further processed to achieve a specific particle size distribution and then packaged for commercial use.
It’s important to note that the specific conditions and parameters of each step can be adjusted to tailor the properties of the activated carbon to its intended application. The quality of the coal, the choice of activation method, and the precise temperature and time parameters are all factors that can influence the final product’s characteristics.
The synthesis of activated carbon from Enugu coal or any other coal source requires careful control of these steps to produce high-quality activated carbon with the desired properties. Additionally, safety precautions should be followed when working with high temperatures and chemicals.