What is the difference between metallurgical coal and thermal coal?

Metallurgical coal (or “coking coal”) is mined to produce the carbon used in steelmaking, while thermal coal is used to make steam that generates electricity.

What is difference between thermal coal and coking coal?

Thermal coal and coking coal are two such types of coal. The key difference between coking coal and thermal coal is that coking coal is mainly used to produce high-quality coke, whereas thermal coke is important in producing electricity.

What is the meaning of metallurgical?

the technique or science of working or heating metals so as to give them certain desired shapes or properties. the technique or science of making and compounding alloys. the technique or science of separating metals from their ores.

Why is coking coal needed for steel?

Coal therefore plays three roles in the production of steel: a reducing agent, to turn the pig iron to coke; a source of energy to drive the process by breaking apart molecular bonds; and a source of carbon for the final product (steel is an alloy of carbon and iron). Coal is needed as a reducing agent.

How is metallurgical coal formed?

Met coal is heated above 1,000ºC in a coking oven to create coke – a hard, porous lump. The coke is then added to a blast furnace with iron ore. Hot air and PCI are introduced, creating a flame temperature over 2,000ºC.

Is metallurgical coal burned?

Without oxygen, the coal does not burn. Instead, it begins to melt. The high temperatures volatilize unwanted impurities, such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. These off-gasses can either be collected and recovered as by-products or burned off as a source of heat.

What is coking coal used for?

Coking coal is an essential input for production of iron and steel. The largest single use of coal in the steel industry is as a fuel for the blast furnace and for the production of metallurgical coke for reduction of iron ore or for injection with the hot blast.

Is there an alternative to coking coal?

Blast furnaces need coal, but there is an alternative technology called an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). This is responsible for approximately 30\% of the world’s steel production and does not require coal.

Why is metallurgy so important?

They form the backbone of modern aircraft, automobiles, trains, ships, and endless recreational vehicles; buildings; implantable devices; cutlery and cookware; coins and jewelry; firearms; and musical instruments. The uses are endless.