Thermal Coal
Thermal coal, also known as steam coal, is by far the most common, and cheapest coal. It is used in the production of electricity at thermal power stations. The coal is first crushed or pulverised, and then burnt in large boilers. These boilers create steam, which in turn drive the turbines that create electricity. Also, thermal coal is used as a fuel in the manufacture of cement, bricks and tiles. It is used for heating and processing, and as a raw material in the creation of chemical, industrial and household products. Due to its relative inexpense, thermal coal is also used in the process known as pulverised coal injection (PCI) in steel production. In the process, thermal coal is mixed with coking coal at a ration of about 1:5, and then pulverised down to a powder before being injected into the blast furnace during firing. The use of PCI allows steel to be produced much cheaper. The coal is used much more efficiently, and steel mill are provided with the opportunity to use cheaper thermal coal in the place of some of the more expensive coking coal.
