Coal is crushed before being burned for several important reasons:
Increased Surface Area: Crushing coal increases its surface area, which enhances its ability to combust more efficiently. More surface area allows for better interaction with oxygen, resulting in more complete combustion.
Improved Combustion Efficiency: Smaller coal particles burn more completely and uniformly than larger chunks, minimizing unburned carbon and therefore, maximizing energy output from the coal.
Enhanced Heat Transfer: Pulverized coal burns at a more consistent and quicker rate, which improves the efficiency of heat transfer in the boiler system. This is crucial for faster and more stable power generation.
Optimized for Pulverized Coal Systems: Many modern coal-fired power plants use pulverized coal systems because they are highly efficient. In these systems, the coal needs to be ground into a fine powder before it is blown into the furnace and ignited.
Reduced Transportation and Handling Issues: Smaller sizes of coal are easier to handle, transport, and store. They flow better in conveyors and hoppers, minimizing blockages and operational disruptions.
By crushing coal before burning, power plants can achieve better efficiency, lower emissions, and more reliable operations.
