Metallurgical coal
Metallurgical coal or coking coal is a grade of coal that can be used to produce good-quality coke. This specific type differs from thermal coal because it produces coke when heated in a low-oxygen environment. Thermal coal does not produce coke and serves different end-uses entirely. The demand for metallurgical coal is highly coupled to the demand for steel. Primary steelmaking companies often have a division that produces coal for coking. They do this to ensure a stable and low-cost supply. Reed Moyer wrote about competition in the Midwestern Coal Industry in 1964. He noted how these divisions operated within the industry structure. Metallurgical coal is low in ash, moisture, sulfur and phosphorus content. Its rank is usually bituminous. Some grades of anthracite coal are also used for sintering. These materials support the production of ferro-alloys and silicon-manganese.
Coke is an essential fuel and reactant in the blast furnace process for primary steelmaking. When metallurgical coal heats up, it softens during the process. Volatile components evaporate and escape through pores in the mass. During coking, the material swells and increases in volume. The strength and density of coke are particularly important inside the furnace. Coke supports part of the ore and flux burden inside the furnace. Laboratory testing is required to completely evaluate the coking ability of a coal. The suitability of coal for conversion to coke is also referred to as the caking ability. This chemical transformation happens strictly within low-oxygen environments. Eighteenth-century coke blast furnaces existed in Shropshire, England. Those early structures relied on this same physical change to function. Prices for the two types of coal are usually quite different because of their end-uses.
Primary steelmaking companies often have a division that produces coal for coking. They ensure a stable and low-cost supply through these internal operations. Metallurgical coal serves as a critical fuel and reactant in blast furnaces. It allows the production of strong, low-density coke when heated properly. The demand for metallurgical coal is highly coupled to the demand for steel. Without this specific grade, the blast furnace process cannot proceed efficiently. Some grades of anthracite coal are used for direct blast furnace charge. Others support pelletizing or production of calcium-carbide and silicon-carbide. These materials form the backbone of modern industrial manufacturing. The electric power sector used 93% of total U.S. coal consumption between 2007 and 2018. Only 7% of the total was metallurgical coal and coal for other uses such as heating. This small percentage represents massive industrial output globally.
There are several types of metallurgical coal available today. Hard coking coals (HCC) form one major category. Medium coking coal (MCC) serves another distinct purpose. Semi-soft coking coal (SSCC) offers unique properties for specific furnaces. Pulverized coal for injection (PCI) coal provides an alternative fuel source. Metallurgical coal is low in ash, moisture, sulfur and phosphorus content. Its rank is usually bituminous. Some grades of anthracite coal are used for sintering or pelletizing. Laboratory testing is required to completely evaluate the coking ability of a coal. The strength and density of coke are particularly important when it is used in a blast furnace. These classifications help engineers select the right material for each operation. The suitability of coal for conversion to coke is also referred to as the caking ability. Different grades command different prices due to
their varying performance characteristics.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
What is metallurgical coal and how does it differ from thermal coal?
Metallurgical coal or coking coal produces good-quality coke when heated in a low-oxygen environment. Thermal coal does not produce coke and serves different end-uses entirely.
When did eighteenth-century coke blast furnaces exist in Shropshire England?
Eighteenth-century coke blast furnaces existed in Shropshire, England during the 1700s. Those early structures relied on the physical change of coal softening to function.
Why is the demand for metallurgical coal coupled to steel production?
The demand for metallurgical coal is highly coupled to the demand for steel because primary steelmaking companies use it as an essential fuel and reactant. Without this specific grade, the blast furnace process cannot proceed efficiently.
How much U.S. coal consumption was metallurgical coal between 2007 and 2018?
Only 7% of total U.S. coal consumption between 2007 and 2018 was metallurgical coal and coal for other uses such as heating. The electric power sector used 93% of total U.S. coal consumption during that period.
What are the main types of metallurgical coal available today?
Hard coking coals form one major category while medium coking coal serves another distinct purpose. Semi-soft coking coal offers unique properties for specific furnaces and pulverized coal for injection provides an alternative fuel source.