Coal Basics

How industries in the U.S. use coal to power the nation
By Michelle Cramer In the early 18th century, the primary use of coal was to burn it in stoves to heat homes and factories. The industrial revolution saw a large increase in coal usage to power manufacturing plants. However, beginning in the 1940s, coal usage doubled with each decade, as its versatility became more apparent.

Coal is a great source of energy for many industries even still today. As you consider using coal to power your production facility, consider the following about coal basics:

1. Coal manufacturers provide a product that powers more than half of the United States.

2. Heating coal to very high temperatures produces coke, a more valuable heating agent.

3. Coal suppliers provide coal for many product manufacturing plants.

Learn about how coal provides power throughout the United States

Many forms of coal, including anthracite, are a major part of the electrical power industry. Coal power plants produce approximately 56% of the electricity used in the United States. These power plants burn the coal, which produces steam. That steam powers turbines and generators, which in turn, produces electricity.
Try:  American Coal Foundation provides detailed information about coal-generated electricity. World Coal Institute offers annual reports on coal uses as well as the world’s top coal producer.

Gather information about coke, a strong heating agent from coal

When manufacturers heat soft coal to extremely high temperatures without the presence of air, the result is a nearly pure carbon agent called coke, with a production rate of .7 tons of coke per ton of coal burned. The heat produced by coke is higher than any other form of coal. The use of coke is most widely found in steel manufacturing plants (for buildings, bridges and vehicles) and a variety of chemical processing plants.
Try:  Find information on a number of coke-oven plants on SteelLinks.com. Consider membership with the American Coke and Coal Chemicals Institute to help advance interest in the industry.

Understand the many products manufactured using coal

Blacksmiths use coal as the heat source for softening metals for molding. Manufacturers of chemicals, cement, paper, ceramics and other metals use coal to power their machinery. Additionally, companies that produce plastics, medicines, fertilizers and tar use the methanol and ethylene, which results from the burning of coal, in their products.
Try:  Visit the Energy Information Administration for reports and information on coal price, production, news, distribution and consumption. It also provides information on stocks so that you can determine the best coal stocks to buy. Anthracite coal producers, like Reading Anthracite, provide coal for many chemical and manufacturing companies.

• Many industrial and manufacturing companies use anthracite coal because it has the highest carbon count of all coal types and thus burns more efficiently.