The type of coal in demand is predominantly bituminous coal, used for electricity generation and industrial processes like steel and cement production. This is because it's the most abundant, offers a high heating capacity due to its high carbon content, and is suitable for coking and power plants. However, demand also extends to specific types like coking coal (for steelmaking) and high-grade thermal coal for power, while anthracite is used for heating, and the lowest grades like lignite are used for electricity.
In summary:
- Bituminous coalis in high demand globally for power generation and industrial uses.
- Coking coal, a type of bituminous coal, is specifically sought after by the steel industry.
- Anthraciteis used for industrial and residential heating.
- Thermal coalis used to generate electricity and for heating.
Why Bituminous Coal is in Demand:
- Abundance:It is the most common and widely available type of coal.
- High Heating Capacity:Bituminous coal contains a high proportion of carbon and low moisture, leading to a high energy output.
- Versatility:It is used for a variety of applications, including electricity generation, steel production, cement manufacturing, and coke production.
Other types with demand:
- Coking coal:A specific sub-category of bituminous coal, crucial for the production of coke used in blast furnaces for iron and steel production.
- Thermal coal:Generally, bituminous coal that is not used for coking is known as thermal coal and is primarily used for power plants and heating.
- Anthracite:A hard, high-quality coal used mainly for industrial purposes and residential heating.
- Lignite:While a lower-grade coal with low heating value, it is still used in some regions for electricity generation.the highest quality based on carbon content and energy value, are lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite. Each type has different characteristics, such as moisture content and luster, that determine its suitability for various uses like power generation, industrial furnaces, and heating.
Types of Coal
Lignite (Brown Coal)
Characteristics: Lowest quality coal, a soft, brown, flaky material with a high moisture content and low carbon content (25–35%).
Uses: Used in power plants located near mines or as a component in drilling fluids.
Sub-bituminous Coal
Characteristics: A dull, non-shiny coal with a higher carbon content than lignite (around 35–45%) but less than bituminous coal.
Uses: Primarily used for electricity generation.
Bituminous Coal
Characteristics: A soft, black, and highly compacted coal with a carbon content of 45–86%. It produces more heat than lower ranks but less smoke than lignite.
Uses: A common type of coal used in power plants for steam-electric power generation and in steelmaking.
Anthracite
Characteristics: The highest-grade coal, also known as "hard coal". It has the highest carbon content (86–97%), the highest energy content, a black, shiny luster, and burns with a short, smokeless flame.
Uses: Used for high-grade industrial furnaces, metallurgical processes like steel production, and domestic heating.
Factors for Ranking Coal
Carbon Content: More carbon generally means a higher quality and energy content.
Moisture Content: Lower moisture content is characteristic of higher-grade coals.
Volatile Matter: Higher ranks of coal have lower amounts of volatile matter, which contributes to smoke production.
Formation Process: The rank of coal depends on the original plant material, the depth it was buried, and the intensity and duration of the heat and pressure it was subjected to over millions of years.