Different Types of Coal

Coal is classified into different types based on its carbon content, energy density, and the amount of impurities. Peat coal, lignite coal, Sub-Bituminous coal, Bituminous coal, Semi-Bituminous coal, Semi-Anthracite coal, Anthracite coal and Super Anthracite coal are the different types of coal.

Peat Coal:

Peat coal contains high moisture, a small percentage of volatile matter, and % of Carbon. It is Wet and used in power plants. It has a meager heating value of 2393 KJ/Kg.

Lignite Coal:

• Lignite coal has fixed carbon moisture content 30 to 45%.
• Proper storage is required for spontaneous combustion.
• Used in power plants locally. It can not be transported.
• Woody clay-like appearances. The heating value is 13800 to 17585 KJ/Kg.

Sub Bituminous coal:

• Sub-bituminous coal can be stored carefully.
• There is no woody structure.
• It is called black ignite.
• Moisture content is 17 to 20%.
• Volatile matter is 35 to 45%.
• Heating value 18840 t0 23000 KJ/Kg.

Bituminous coal:

• Bituminous coal has a Low moisture percentage.
• Low or high Ash percentage
• It can be caking, cooking, or burning coal-free.
• Heating value s 23,000 to 34750 KJ/Kg.

Semi-Bituminous coal:

• Semi-bituminous coal has a high fixed carbon
• Volatile matter is 14% to 22%.
• Heating value 33,500 to 34,750 KJ/Kg.

Semi Anthracite Coal:

• Semi-anthracite coal is harder than Bituminous coal
• Heating value 33,500 to 34,750 KJ/Kg.
• Costly for power generation.

Anthracite coal:

• Purest form
• High carbon content.
• Less heating value
• Less ash
• Scars
• Less calorific value.

Super Anthracite coal:

• Heat coal with a shining black surface
• A high percentage of Carbon.
• Very difficult to ignite.