Maintenance of the Coal Sample Bank and Database. Quarterly technical progress report, July 1, 1995--September 30, 1995

This five year project is intended to ensure the availability of well- characterized, high-quality coal samples for public and private coal research. It continues support of the DOE Coal Sample Bank and Database at The Pennsylvania State University. Thirty coal samples will be collected, processed, packaged, and analyzed, and a resulting database will be maintained. These samples and data, as well as 26 samples collected under previous contracts, will be distributed to DOE contractors and others performing coal research. Samples will be chosen to maintain a sample bank of 56 coals representing the major US coal fields and a variety of coal ranks and compositions. In addition to standard analyses, liquefaction tests and organic geochemical analyses will be performed. The samples will be stored to minimize deterioration, and will be monitored annually by proximate, sulfur forms, and gaseous oxygen analysis to evaluate their condition. These samples will be used for additional research on the influence of changes in surface chemistry on surface properties, the influence of sample deterioration on liquefaction properties, and the mechanisms of coal oxidation. During the quarter, samples were distributed and inventory records were updated. The newly collected sample was added to the inventory records. One sample was collected from the main bituminous field of the Appalachian region during the quarter. Characterization of samples DECS-29 through -32, was accomplished. Product workup on the liquefaction components of DECS- 29, -31 and -32 was performed. The new sample (DECS-33) was processed promptly, and liquefaction testing was performed. Table 1 shows liquefaction product breakdown for 6 samples