Combustion, or burning, is one of the most important processes on Earth, since it produces the energy necessary for life, drives human activities and helps to drive the industrial economy. Coal is one of the most important fuels used in combustion, and thus it is important to understand the combustion characteristics of coal.
One factor that affects coal combustion is its reactivity, or the ability of the coal to burn quickly and evenly. In general, the higher the reactivity, the faster and more easily the coal will burn. Reactivity is often measured by determining the rate at which a certain mass of coal burns through and produces heat. The more heat that is produced per unit time, the more reactive the coal is said to be.
Another factor that affects coal combustion is its coking propensity. Coking is a process by which coal is slowly converted into a solid, carbon-rich residue called coke. Coal with a higher coking propensity will create more coke as it burns, which can be beneficial for some industrial uses, but can also be detrimental in other cases, such as in the production of electricity. The coking propensity of coal can be determined using various methods, such as thermogravimetric analysis.
The reactivity and coking propensity of coal can be impacted by a variety of factors. The type of coal, for instance, can have a large impact on its combustion characteristics. Different types of coal will have varying levels of both reactivity and coking propensity. Other factors, such as the particle size of the coal and the amount of moisture it contains can also affect its combustion characteristics.
The quality and quantity of the ash produced when burning coal can also impact its combustion characteristics. Ash is produced when the non-combustible mineral content of the coal burns away and the oxidized minerals are left behind. Different types of ash can have different impacts on the overall reactivity and coking propensity of the coal.
Finally, the temperature at which the coal burns can also have an impact on its combustion characteristics. Higher temperatures can result in increased reactivity and coking propensity, while lower temperatures can result in slower burning and a decrease in reactivity and coking propensity.
Overall, the reactivity and coking propensity of coal are important factors to consider when using coal for combustion. Different types of coal, as well as external factors such as particle size and temperature, can have a large impact on the combustion characteristics of coal, so it is important to understand how these elements can affect the combustion process. By understanding the reactivity and coking propensity of the coal, it is possible to use coal more efficiently and effectively.
