Introduction
Coal is a fossil fuel, which is important as an energy source to many countries. It is a black or dark brown combustible organic sedimentary rock, which is composed primarily of carbon, along with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen. The coal’s rank usually increases with the carbon content, decreasing with the moisture content.
Coal’s physical properties vary greatly among the different types and varieties. The most common physical properties include hardness, density, luster, moisture content, volatiles content, ash and caking properties. Hardness is a measure of how well the coal resists breakage under compression. The density is a measure of how much mass (or coal) is present in a given volume of coal. The luster is a measure of the reflectivity of the coal. The moisture content is a measurement of the water content of the coal. The volatiles content is a measure of the amount of volatile matter present in the coal. The ash content is a measure of the amount of ash in the coal. And the caking properties are a measure of how easily the coal can form a solid mass when heated.
The most important physical characteristic of coal is its caking properties. The degree of coal’s caking properties is one of the main factors in determining its value as a fuel. Caking properties are affected by a number of factors, including moisture content, volatile matter content and sulphur content. The higher the moisture content, the lower the degree of caking properties. Likewise, the higher the volatile matter content, the lower the degree of caking properties. Higher levels of sulphur content also tend to reduce the degree of caking properties.
In order to improve the caking properties of coal, various methods can be used. One such method is to mix the coal with other ingredients, such as clay, sand, limestone or other types of rocks. This will help to bind the coal particles together, forming a more cohesive mass. Another method that can be used is to add a binder, such as tar or asphalt, to the coal. This will not only increase the coal’s caking properties, but also improve its burning characteristics.
Conclusion
Coal is a valuable source of energy, and its physical characteristics play an important role in its usefulness as a fuel. Among the more important physical characteristics of coal is its caking properties. The degree of caking properties is affected by a number of factors, including moisture content, volatile matter content and sulphur content. By improving the coal’s caking properties, its usefulness as a fuel can be increased. Various methods can be used to improve the caking properties of coal, such as mixing the coal with other substances, or adding a binder to the coal.
