What Is the Purpose & Use for Steam Coal?
Steam coal, also known as thermal coal, refers to the coal used in boilers to generate steam that can be used for a variety of purposes. A derivative of natural coal, steam coal appears as a combustible black rock that undergoes metamorphosis when exposed to high heats. Coal is used throughout the world today as a main source for energy and is naturally found within sedimentary rock.
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Electricity
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The main purpose for coal is to generate large amounts of usable energy to meet society's daily needs. Coal power plants throughout the nation use coal to generate electricity. Due to steam coal's natural combustible nature, power plants use combustion units to burn coal. The heat obtained from burning coal then creates the steam used to spin giant turbines. For each revolution, the turbine generates usable electricity that powers the surrounding community.
Steam Locomotives
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During the age of the railroad in the 19th century, steam coal was widely used to power trains. Steam coal was heated in a furnace, which was also connected to a boiler filled with water. The heat produced steam, which was funneled off in valves and pressurized to push the pistons of the engine. The exhaust smoke left the train through the stack on top of the train. Many trains today still rely on coal and use steam-powered engines.
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Water Heating
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Burning steam coal also provides ample heat to elevate the temperature of potable water. In many antiquated homes of the past, homeowners placed thermal coal into a furnace to burn. The heat was then used to warm or boil water stored in large tanks. With the advent of water pipes throughout a home, hot water could be transported into many rooms.
Metallurgy
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Steam coal is also heavily used in the steel production industry. In a process called pulverized coal injection (PCI), thermal coal is finely crushed, mixed with coking coal and injected into the blast furnace during firing. The coal is used to smelt iron ore into usable iron for making steel. The intense temperature and heat obtained from burning coal provides the strength and flexibility retained within steel.
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