Brown Coal Classification
Brown coal, also commonly known as lignite, is a type of sedimentary rock that is the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low carbon content. Brown coal is considered to be a non-renewable resource, meaning that it cannot be replenished on a human timescale. It is mainly used to generate electricity, particularly in countries such as Germany and Great Britain. There are a variety of methods that are used for classifying brown coal. These techniques involve measuring the brown coal’s physical and chemical properties, as well as observing its geological characteristics.
Physical Classification
The physical characteristics of brown coal that are most commonly used in classification are ash, total moisture and volatile matter content, which is the amount of gaseous material contained in the coal when it is heated. Ash is the amount of minerals contained in the coal and is usually measured in parts per million. The amount of moisture in the brown coal is one of the main factors that affects it usability. The volatile matter content is measured by heating a sample of the brown coal and measuring the amount of gaseous materials, such as hydrocarbons, that are produced as a result of this process.
Chemical Characterization
Chemical characterization of brown coal involves laboratory analysis of the composition of the coal. This commonly includes the determination of the thermal content, which is the amount of energy that can be produced by burning the coal. It can also include the determination of the coal’s ash and sulfur content, along with its calorific value. The calorific value measures the amount of heat that is released when the coal is burned and is often used as an indicator of coal quality.
Geological Classification
The geological characteristics of brown coal can also be used to classify it. This includes the size, shape, and texture of the coal, as well as the color and structure of the coal bed. The size and shape of the different lumps of coal can vary greatly, depending on the type of rock formation in which it was formed. The color of the coal can range from black to brown, and the structure of the coal bed can be used to identify different lignite deposits.
Final Considerations
Brown coal classification is an important tool for understanding the properties of brown coal and its use in electricity production. By taking into account the physical and chemical characteristics of the coal, as well as its geological features, it is possible to determine the suitability of brown coal for specific applications. By carefully assessing the different characteristics of each type of brown coal, it is possible to determine the best use for each deposit. This helps to ensure that the coal is used in the most efficient and sustainable manner possible.
