ANALYSIS OF COLLIE RIVER COAL.
TO THE EDITOR.
SIR, — In your issue of the 23rd November last, you published an assay I
had made for Mr David Hay of the Collie coal.
I have just made an assay, at the request of the Government Geologist of
the specimen that Mr Hay recently presented to the Geological Museum, and
as the value of this coal is a considerable importance to the colony, I
have no doubt but that you will be glad to announce the improvement in the
quality of the coal as a lower level is reached.
The first specimen was taken from the bed of the river, the second from a
depth of 17 feet.
The figures after "calorific value" denote the number of pounds of water
that one pound of coal will convert into steam.
Composition per cent.
{Water ... 15.20
Volatile matter, 49.89 {Gases, &c ... 32.46
{Sulphur ... 2.23
{Fixed Carbon 45.03
Coke, 50.11 {Ash... ... 5.08
------ ------
100.00 100.00
The above was from the bottom of the river. Specimen from depth of 17 feet.
{Water ... 10.87
Volatile matter, 44.57 {Gases, &c ... 31.47
{Sulphur ... 2.23
{Fixed Carbon 52.87
Coke, 55.43 {Ash... ... 2.56
------ ------
100.00 100.00
Calorific value (theoretical) 11; the practical will be about 9.5. It
does not cake, but leaves the coke in powder, so will not do for the
manufacture of illuminating gas, but will be valuable for steam boilers,
household purposes, &c.
BERNARD H. WOODWARD, F.G.S.
Perth, April 21, 1890.
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