Ahmed Khan Malik

Thar indigenous coal is suitable for conversion into gas, liquid and urea due to the average ash content of 18 percent, according to a report prepared by a South African laboratory, reports WealthPK. The coal samples collected from Thar coalfield were shipped to the offshore laboratory for testing under an ADP scheme “Pre-Investment study – Coal to Gas, Coal to Liquid and Urea” to evaluate the coal’s viability for conversion into gas, liquid and urea. The Sindh Coal Authority (SCA) hired the services of consultant and expert Dr. Farid A. Malik for the project. It indicated that the CO2 reactivity was high and typical of lignite coal and Fischer Assay [a standardized laboratory test for determining the oil yield from oil shale] resulted in high tar yields of 20 percent (air dried basis). The report further said sulphur content was higher than expected, but it was no concern from the gasification point of view. The ash flow temperatures were around 1320-1340°C. FACTSAGETM thermodynamic equilibrium simulations predicted the coal’s flow temperature in the range of 1325°C. The studied sample showed relatively higher Char–CO2 gasification reactivity compared to bituminous coal.

On the basis of this report, a meeting of stakeholders was convened by the DG Sindh Coal Authority recently, wherein the consultant, Dr Farid A Malik, briefed the forum about the outcome of the report. The meeting was informed that Thar indigenous coal was viable for conversion into gas, liquid and urea, and unlike the previous technology of underground coal gasification, the present report endorsed the surface coal gasification. It was also decided to share the report with the higher-ups for taking up some practical steps, including the starting of a pilot project/demonstration plant. It was also decided to arrange a seminar on the study results wherein government officials and relevant stakeholders would be invited for developing consensus on the pilot/demonstration plant and coal gasification policy. Given the current energy crisis in the country, this move is being viewed as an encouraging development. China and India are already using this technology. According to the Geological Survey of Pakistan, Pakistan’s Thar Coal reserves are about 175 billion tons of lignite, one of the world’s largest. These reserves are equivalent to 50 billion tons of oil, more than the Saudi and Iranian oil reserves.

Credit: INP-WealthPk