Characterization of Low Temperature Carbonization Products of Neyveli Lignite by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy

Abstract

Neyveli lignites of Indian origin were subjected to low temperature carbonization (LTC) at 600°C to collect tar and middle oil boiling at 200°C. Liquid–liquid extraction of these products has yielded asphalts, phenols, acids, bases, waxes, and neutral oils. Each fraction was analysed by gas liquid chromatography and the constituents were characterized by elucidating the structural composition using mass spectrometry. This study has indicated that the LTC products of Neyveli lignite are not only a good source of paraffin waxes but also the neutral oils that find use in the manufacture of synthetic petrol and fatty acids.