Understanding the different types of coal involves first developing a basic understanding of how coal forms within the earth. The types of coal are differentiated by specific properties which result from having undergone varying degrees of heat and pressure over different lengths of time during formation. Coal takes millions of years to develop, and is derived from ancient plant matter that has been subjected to intense heat and pressure that affected physical and chemical alterations. The process through which coal forms from such ancient plants is known as coalification.
In general, coal forms from the remains of plants which died in prehistoric swamps and wetlands. Organic plant matter at various stages of decay form peat, which, under certain pressure, time and heat conditions experiences slow rates of bacterial decay and eventually goes on to form coal. As peat is buried by sediment and becomes compressed, it slowly releases water and other elements contained within it, resulting in an increasingly compact and carbon rich substance. The natural process converting plant matter to peat may go through different stages, first forming lignite, then sub bituminous coal, bituminous coal and eventually anthracite coal.
When we mine coal from the earth, it may be at any of the above mentioned stages of formation, which contain increasing levels of carbon. Below we examine some of the characteristics of each rank:
-Lignite: Lignite coal is the lowest ranked coal for its heat energy producing capability and carbon content. A soft, brownish coal, lignite contains the highest levels of moisture of the coal types and is known for its crumbly texture. Lignite deposits are the youngest of the coal types and have undergone the lowest intensity of heat and pressure.
-Sub Bituminous: With higher carbon content and thus a higher heating value than lignite, sub bituminous and bituminous coal collectively make up the majority of coal produced in the United States. Sub bituminous coal contains less water and is therefore harder than lignite, facilitating easier transportation and storage. The relatively low sulfur content in sub bituminous coal makes it an attractive option for power plants.
-Bituminous: Estimated to be between 100 and 300 million years old, bituminous coal makes up the majority of coal mined in the U.S. Bituminous coal is heavily utilized for energy in power plants and for the production of steel.
-Anthracite: Having the highest concentration of carbon, anthracite is also the hardest coal. Anthracite coal is known to be the cleanest burning coal, but is one of the rarest, being found mainly in limited reserves in Pennsylvania.
About the Author: Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
An Introduction to Coal Mining Coal is a resource produced deep within the earth over millions of years, and mined for the energy stored within it. Coal is a fossil fuel, meaning it formed from the remains of organic matter which was subjected to intense heat and pressure from mounting......
Three Types of Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels are responsible for providing the energy needed worldwide for many household and industrial purposes today. Deposits of fossil fuels are found throughout the world deep inside the earth. Fossil fuels are the carbon rich remains of ancient veg......
Using Coal And Coke For Cooking VARIETIES OF COAL.--Possibly the most common fuel used for cooking is coal. This fuel comes in two varieties, namely, anthracite, or hard coal, and bituminous, or soft coal. Their relative cost depends on the locality, the kind of stove, and an intelligen......
Extracting Fossil Fuels for Energy and Electricity Everyone knows that Americans rely heavily on fossil fuels. Much of our electricity is generated by the burning of coal. Furthermore, you probably cook your dinner on a natural gas range, and you pump gasoline into your car's fuel tank every couple days. ......
The Environmental Benefits of Using Solar Panels As An Energy Source You probably know the sun generates more than 10,000 times the amount of energy the entire world consumes annually. Yet, this "free" energy has remained greatly untapped. Conversely, the environment is being degraded by our current energy choices. The pos......
Girlfriend Sayings
An Electric Car for the Family
Top 10 Beaches in the World
Top 10 European Ski Resorts
Top 10 High Demand High Paying Jobs in Australia
