Introduction
The advent of coal as a primary energy source in the industrial revolution gave rise to many changes in our global systems. Its prevalence amongst many of the industrialized nations has been well documented as has its wide ranging effects on the environment. This paper will examine the process of industrial analysis of coal, including its origin and its function as a fuel source. In addition, the current and future trends of coal in the global energy market will be discussed.
Background
Coal has been used as a source of energy since at least 4000 BCE in China. Its use in other parts of the world has varied, depending on regional availability and the technological advances, which enabled its use. Its largest use began in Europe with the industrial revolution in the late 18th century where it was the primary source for power. Coal has been the leading energy source for many industrial activities and continues to be an integral energy source for many developing countries. In 2018, coal accounted for nearly a third of the global energy mix and remains one of the most important energy sources.
Analysis
When it comes to an industrial analysis of coal, it is important to understand the various aspects of the process. The first step is the extraction of coal from the ground, which can be done through various methods such as underground mining, surface mining, and more efficient forms using hydraulic fracturing. The extracted coal can then be processed in various ways to reduce its size, break up lumps, and improve its combustion characteristics. Depending on the specific application, the coal can then be sized into either small pieces for power generation or for use in industrial applications, or coarser larger pieces for higher grade industrial applications.
Once the coal has been extracted and processed, the next step is analysis. Here, the composition of the coal is determined, which can include ash content, moisture content, volatile matter, and other characteristics such as sulfur content, sulfur dioxide content, and calorific value. These measurements are used to assess the suitability of the coal for a particular use, as well as to assess the environmental impact of its combustion. Depending on the analysis results, further refining may be needed before the coal is used.
Trends
The industrial analysis of coal has also revealed some trends over recent years. While its use in power generation is still relatively high, it has been surpassed by natural gas as the leading source of fuel for electricity generation in the US. However, the industrial sector is still the largest consumer of coal, consuming nearly five times more coal than the residential and commercial sectors combined. It is also the predominant energy source for many heavy industries, such as steel production, cement production, and aluminium smelting. Globally, coal is still the largest source of energy, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the global energy mix.
Conclusion
Coal has played a prominent role in the global energy market for centuries and its presence does not appear to be waning. Its use as an energy source is still prevalent in many of the world’s most industrialized countries, but with the rise of natural gas and renewable energy sources, its position as the primary energy source is becoming challenged. A full industrial analysis of coal is needed to assess its current role and potential future role in the global energy market.
