Bituminous coal is the second highest quality of coal after anthracite but is easily the most preferred coal in foundries.
In this article we will explore why bituminous coal is widely used as a fuel and carbon source for various aspects of metal casting and processing.
Coking: Bituminous coal’s excellent coking properties make it the coal of choice in foundries where coke is needed. For iron and steel production in blast furnaces and cupolas, coke is an essential ingredient. The coke from bituminous coal is used as a fuel as well as a reducing agent, enabling smelting of metal ores and the production of molten metal.
Fuel for heat generation: Melting metals such as iron, steel, aluminium and various alloys requires very high temperatures which are possible by burning bituminous coal because of the coal’s high carbon content. In addition, the coal is also extremely cost-effective and an efficient fuel source for foundry operations.
Carbon Raiser: Many foundry processes require very precise control over carbon content. Bituminous coal is added as a carbon raiser for these processes to adjust the carbon levels in molten metals. Precisely controlling the carbon content is vital for achieving the desired mechanical and chemical properties in castings, especially in steel production where carbon content impacts hardness, strength and other characteristics of the metal.
Binder in Sand Molding: Bituminous coal is crushed into a fine powder and then mixed with sand to create molds for shaping molten metal during casting processes. The coal acts as a binder, holding the sand particles together and making the mold stronger and more stable.
Thus the versatility of bituminous coal makes it an ideal choice for various metal casting and processing applications. Cost-effectiveness and easy availability are two other important factors why the coal is used widely in the foundry industry.
Related Posts
March 30, 2024
Do you know why Anthracite is commonly used for water filtration?
Anthracite coal's hardness and porosity make it one of the best natural…
March 21, 2024
Find out how coal washing removes impurities from raw coal
As the world transitions to greener energy solutions, the coal industry is…
March 2, 2024
How Clean Coal Technologies are redefining the role of coal
As the world transitions to greener energy solutions, the coal industry is…