Air-blown gasification of coal has received considerable attention worldwide and especially in the UK in conjunction with the Air-Blown Gasification Cycle, an integrated combined cycle which has been developed in recent decades. The cycle has the potential to produce electricity at higher efficiencies and lower emissions than conventional pf plants. However, the formation of ammonia in the gasifier has been identified as a potential problem, as it would contribute to NO, emissions. The formation of ammonia has been studied in a laboratory-scale rig designed and constructed specifically for that purpose. The reactor was a fluidised bed of the spouted bed variety. NH3, NO and HCN levels could be monitored at different bed heights to trace their formation and conversion. Four coals were gasified at 1000 degreesC and 0.2 MPa. It was found that the bulk of the NH3 was formed in the spout and the NH3 concentration increased progressively with reactor height. Formation of NO was relatively minor and, although both NO and HCN may act as precursors for NH3 formation in the devolatilisation/partial combustion zone, no evidence was found to suggest they make a significant contribution to any subsequent increase in NH3 emissions. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.