Pulverized coal or powdered coal is mostly used in thermal power plants, in industries such as chemical, cement, food and textile, where temperatures up to 2200°F are required. It is combined with hot air and injected into a furnace where further combustion takes place, resulting in the generation of electricity. The use of pulverized coal as a thermal energy source in power plants helps in fuel exchange, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Pulverized coal is also used in the production of cement and lime, for the preparation of bricks and tiles, for steel production and in the production of carbon black. In the steel production process, it is used as a solid fuel to help in the burning of limestone and coke to produce calcium oxide and calcium carbonate. It is also used in the production of lime, for the preparation of cement and ceramics, for such applications as bonding, glazing and drying.
Pulverized coal has also found use in alleviating the environmental impacts of large-scale coal mining and power production. Coal is recognized as a major source of air pollutants in the atmosphere, and the use of pulverized coal to reduce air pollution can have beneficial impacts on air quality. For example, the use of pulverized coal to reduce the release of sulfur dioxide, which is a major air pollutant, can help improve outdoor air quality and reduce the health risks of those who live in areas near or around coal-fired power plants.
Pulverized coal also plays an important role in improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of energy production. In certain cases, burning smaller particles of coal, called micronized coal, can allow for faster heat exchange due to the greater surface area of the particles. This can result in improved energy efficiency, producing more energy with the same amount of fuel. Additionally, because pulverized coal is more finely divided than traditional large-particle coal, it can burn more slowly, resulting in longer burn-times and decreased emissions of pollutants.
Pulverized coal technologies, such as circulating fluidized bed (CFB) systems and pulverized coal injection (PCI) processes, also offer increased efficiency and reduced environmental impacts. CFB technology uses a series of combustion chambers to burn different size particles of coal, which results in improved combustion. The PCI process is also beneficial, as it reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, allowing for the efficient burning of coal while reducing the health impacts associated with air pollution.
In addition to its use in thermal power generation and industrial processes, pulverized coal has also been explored for its potential use as a solid fuel for aerospace applications. Pulverized coal has been used in test flights of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, where it was used in place of liquid fuel. Taking advantage of the energy density of coal, NASA and SpaceX have dedicated increased research efforts to this area to explore the use of pulverized coal propellants for various aerospace applications.
Overall, the use of pulverized coal has become increasingly popular in many industries due to its low cost and multitude of benefits. From its use in energy production and industrial applications to its potential use in space exploration, the use of pulverized coal offers the potential for improved efficiency, lower costs and reduced environmental impacts. As the technology continues to develop, the uses of pulverized coal are likely to expand, providing numerous opportunities for improved fuel efficiency, reduced air pollution and continued industrial growth.
