Activity › Discussion › Environment › Environment
Environment
Posted by Bharti Kumari on January 18, 2024 at 4:24 pmWhat is the difference between brown & black coal?
Prateek replied 1 year ago 2 Members · 1 Reply- 1 Reply
Brown coal and black coal are two different types of coal with distinct characteristics. Here’s a comparison of the two:
Formation: Brown coal, also known as lignite, is the lowest rank of coal and is formed by the accumulation and compression of partially decayed plant material in swamps and bogs. Black coal, on the other hand, is a higher rank of coal and is formed from the remains of plants that have been subjected to greater heat and pressure over a longer period of time.
Carbon Content: Black coal has a higher carbon content compared to brown coal. Black coal typically contains around 70-90% carbon, while brown coal contains about 60-70% carbon. The higher carbon content of black coal gives it greater energy content and heating value.
Moisture Content: Brown coal generally has a higher moisture content than black coal. Brown coal can have a moisture content of 30-70%, whereas black coal typically has a moisture content of less than 10%. The high moisture content of brown coal makes it less efficient and more challenging to burn.
Energy Content: Black coal has a higher energy content per unit weight compared to brown coal. Due to its higher carbon content and lower moisture content, black coal has a higher heating value and provides more energy when burned.
Uses: Brown coal is often used for electricity generation in power plants located near the coal mines due to its widespread availability. It is less energy-dense and produces more emissions when burned compared to black coal. Black coal, on the other hand, is used for various purposes, including electricity generation, industrial processes, and as a fuel for heating and cooking.
It’s worth noting that these are general characteristics, and the properties of coal can vary depending on the specific deposit and location.
Log in to reply.