Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock having wide range of applications. Coal is one of the most abundant fossil fuels and has been used for centuries as a source of energy for heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes.
From generating electricity to the production of iron and steel, the impact of coal can be seen in various products and infrastructure on which we rely on.
In this article, you will learn some of the promising applications of coal and how they are critical for the world economy.
Real Life Applications of Coal
The fuel preferences vary from one sector to another, due to coal usefulness and energy content. In this regard, some of the major cases include electrical generation, steel production, cement manufacturing, and residential heating. Some of the real-life applications of coal are as follows:
Electricity Generation
- The main function of the coal is in its electricity generation. The coal-fired power plants generate electricity through the process of furnishing coal into hot water steam, which is in turn used to convert turbines into generators. This process is referred to as thermal power generation, which contributes to a considerable proportion of global electricity output.
- Coal-fired power plants have the reputation of being stable and economical to run so that they are very much needed in the order to supply the continuously rising energy needs of most countries’ population growths and in their industrial sectors.
Steel Production
- Coal is a major component in the process of steel making, one of the most essential metals in construction, manufacturing, and road infrastructure expansion. In the steel-making process, coal is used to remove the oxygen from iron ore to produce the iron hence molten iron is created.
- Coking coal otherwise known as metallurgical coal is the main source of fuel for the blast furnace, a furnace which incinerates the coal in progress of the chemical reactions that are essential for steel-production.
- Met coal being the most crucial raw material which guarantees the quality of the steel and all its properties is what makes it so important for using it in industries of very broad ranges.
Cement Manufacturing
- Another area where coal is used is in cement manufacturing, where coal is feed fuel for the kilns that produce clinker, the main constituent of cement. During cement production, coal is set on fire so that it is burnt at high temperatures to bake raw materials such as limestone, clay, and shale, which results in the formation of clinker.
- The energy produced by burning coal provides the high temperatures needed for chemical reactions and sustained in the firing chamber.
- While in addition, coal burning produces fly ash and other byproducts such as cement kiln dust which are recycled and used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in the cement manufacturing industry, reducing its environmental impact.
Residential Heating
- Coal is also used in many industries such as power generation even though it has been considered more as the past essential power source and it is often used domestically for residential heating in some areas. In the households with coal-burning furnaces or stovetop heaters, people are dependent upon coal especially during cold nights of winter.
- Though the use of coal for industrial activities like heating devices and fire-making has experienced a rapid decline in developed countries due to policy and existent cleaner replacements, it still is a key energy source for heating and cooking in some countries and communities.
Chemical Production
- Coal is a source of many synthetic products including various plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals utilized in the industry. Those processes, for example, gasification of coal and coal-to-chemicals conversion, enable coal to be converted into gases, liquids and solids which in turn can serve as precursors for the many essential products.
- For Example: Coal gasification is a practice whereby coal is transformed into synthesis gas (syngas). The resulting syngas can then be utilized to manufacture methanol and ammonia that serve as chemical intermediates for the production of fertilizers.
The possibility of using coal from various origins opens up attraction (versatility) of coal apart from the purpose to sustain the energy industry, and manufacture of metals.
Air Purification
- Activated charcoal, a substance made from coal, is commonly used in air purifiers since it has a strong absorption capability of alcohol-based chemicals that perform odor neutralization. Activated charcoal filters catch Molecules of VOC, which after trapping reduces the pollution levels and repel odor from the surroundings and creating fresher atmosphere.
- Filters with charcoal or coal active compounds work similarly well capturing smokes, fumes, and industrial products. Particles from smoking cigarettes, wildfires, or motor exhaust have adverse health effects. The activated charcoal in air purifiers lowers the amount of smoke in the air and thus limits people’s exposure to toxic particles in smoke.
Water Filtration
- Activated carbon from raw coal is used in water filters and purifiers because of its porous structure which works like a sponge. It eliminates impurities from water in a very efficient manner. This is the use of compounds including ions, VOCs, pesticides, and herbicides, improving the taste, smell, and healthiness of drinking water.
Conclusion
Coal is the second largest source of the world’s power generation with around 38% of the electricity production. Steel making is another major purpose for coal as well. Hence, it is a power source for electricity generation and cement and steel production in the world.
Along with the progress achieved in renewable power generation, coal is one of the cornerstone sources of energy generation across the world. Despite the fact, that its combustion results into a few environmental and health issues, cleaner coal technologies are being developed to solve this issue.
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Real Life Applications of Coal – FAQs
What exactly is coal used for?
Coal is used for many applications around the world. The three major uses of coal are in electricity production, steel manufacture, cement making and its use a liquid fuel.
Does coal fall under the category of renewable resources or not?
Coal is a kind of finite, nature exhausted fuel source. It is formed from the sediments of the material that was once living organisms, reaching the rock as far as millions years ago. Coal stores, as a non-recurring raw material, are not renewable and are limited.
What are the various coal grades?
- Anthracite: It represents the highest grade containing 85-95% of coal. It just burns long and leaves without flame and smoke. Acting as a home heating and commercial heating source.
- Bituminous: It is a moderately soft bituminous coal consisting of 50-85% carbon. It is applied for electricity generation and coal carbonization for the steel industry.
- Sub-bituminous: It is a bituminous coal carrying 35-45% bound carbon. Primarily electricity generation application.
- Lignite: It is the coal having the lowest grade but 25-35% carbon contained in it. First and foremost, it is used for electricity generation, which is related to its low energy density.
What could be the environmental problems related to coal-fired power plants?
The burning of coal produces greenhouse gases as well as pollution in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), etc. The release of these pollutants into the environment increases the levels of air pollution, acid rains and global warming. This has led to the promotion of cleaner coal technologies as well as the transition to renewable energy.