Coal is one of the most widely used natural resources in the world. It is a key component of electricity production and used in the steel industry.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between thermal coal and metallurgical coal and how each is used.
Thermal coal
Thermal coal and metallurgical coal are both important components of the global energy mix, but they have key differences. Thermal coal, also known as steam coal, is primarily used for power generation, while metallurgical coal is used primarily for steel production.
Metallurgical coal, on the other hand, is higher in ash, sulfur, and phosphorus content, and is usually used in the production of steel. The difference in thermal coal and metallurgical coal is their use in their respective industries, with each type of coal having unique properties that make it suitable for its intended purpose.
Metallurgical coal
Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is a type of coal that is used in the production of steel and other metallurgical products. It has a higher carbon content than thermal coal, which is used to produce energy.
It also contains low levels of ash and sulfur, making it more desirable for steel production. As a result, metallurgical coal is more expensive than thermal coal, and its price is influenced by the global demand for steel.
Differences between thermal coal and metallurgical coal
The key difference between thermal coal and metallurgical coal lies in their respective uses. Thermal coal, also known as steaming coal, is primarily used in power generation, to produce electricity.
Thermal coal is also used in cement manufacturing, paper manufacturing, and a variety of other industrial processes. Thermal coal is generally of lower quality and has higher ash, sulfur and moisture content than metallurgical coal, making it less desirable in terms of metallurgical applications.
Metallurgical coal is known for its low sulfur and ash content, which makes it more desirable for steel production. Additionally, metallurgical coal has higher carbon content, which helps it burn hotter and longer.
Applications of thermal coal and metallurgical coal
The difference between thermal coal and metallurgical coal is in their respective uses. Thermal coal, also known as steam coal, is primarily used in power generation, while metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is mainly used in the production of steel.
Thermal coal is generally heated to produce electricity, while metallurgical coal is heated and then subjected to various processes that remove impurities, which allows it to be used in the production of steel. The impurities that are removed from metallurgical coal include sulfur, ash, and phosphorus, while the ash content in thermal coal is kept low. Both types of coal have different properties that make them useful for specific purposes.
Environmental impact of thermal coal and metallurgical coal
The difference between thermal coal and metallurgical coal is that thermal coal is mainly used for power generation and metallurgical coal is mainly used for steel production. Thermal coal is also known as steam coal, and it is used to generate electricity by burning it in power plants. This type of coal releases more carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere compared to metallurgical coal.
Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is used to produce coke, which is used to make steel. This type of coal has a higher energy content and releases less pollutants into the environment when burned.
Both types of coal have a significant environmental impact, but the difference lies in the type of pollutant released and the amount of energy produced.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the main difference between thermal coal and metallurgical coal is their different properties and uses. Thermal coal is mainly used for power generation, while metallurgical coal is mainly used for steel production.