Different Types of Coal

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.

Types of coal

Coal types

Peat Coal:

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

Lignite Coal:

  • Lignite coal has fixed carbon moisture content 30 to 45%.
  • Proper storage is required to spontaneous combustion.
  • Used in power plants locally. It can not be transported.
  • woody clay like appearances. 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 17 to 20%.
  • volatile matter 35 to 45%.
  • Heating value 18840 t0 23000 KJ/Kg.

Bituminous coal:

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

Semi-Bituminous coal:

  • Semi-bituminous coal has high fixed carbon
  • Volatile matter 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 shining black surface
  • A high percentage of Carbon.
  • Very difficult to ignite.
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Vinodh Reddy is a Mechanical Engineer and Editor-in-chief of ME Mechanical. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also blogs at EduGeneral. He is interested in the farming field.

All Comments

  • Now I know why Anthracite coal is the best for stoves and the environment. This was very helpful.

    John Bollman Jan 31, 2022 4:54 pm Reply

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