In this note, we are going to learn about a topic called “Types of Coal and Their Uses” and also we will know about their calorific value of each type of coal. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
Types of Coal and Their Uses
Coal is classed according to its carbon concentration, energy content (calorific value), and degree of metamorphism (the amount of heat and pressure it has been exposed to throughout time).
There are four types of coal –
1. Peat
The initial stage of coal production, with low carbon content and considerable moisture. It is rarely used for power generation due to its poor calorific value.
- Uses: Used as fuel, used in horticulture as a soil conditioner and a component of potting mixes as well.
- Calorific Value: 8-15 MJ/kg.
2. Lignite or Brown Coal
It has low energy density, high moisture content, and low carbon content (25–35%).
- Uses: Mainly utilized for electricity generation, but has lesser energy content and more emissions than other coal kinds.
- Calorific Value: 15-19 MJ/kg.
3. Sub-Bituminous Coal
It has better energy density, lower moisture content, and a higher carbon content (35–45%) than lignite.
- Uses: Commonly used to generate power.
- Calorific Value: 19-25 MJ/kg.
4. Bituminous Coal
It has high carbon content (45-86%), low moisture, and high energy density. It is the most prevalent coal form.
- Uses: Widely used for electricity generation and steel manufacture.
- Calorific Value: 24-35 MJ/kg.
5. Anthracite
It contains the highest carbon content (86-98%), extremely low moisture content, and the highest energy density.
- Uses: It is used to heat residential and commercial spaces, generate power, and in metallurgical operations.
- Calorific Value: 30-36 MJ/kg.