3. Mechanical preparation of pulverized coal

Pulverized coal is still widely used , despite competition from liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons. Power generation in boilers and thermal power plants is its main application. However, crushed coal is also used in the steel industry (injection into blast furnaces), and in the cement, lime and expanded clay industries.

The specific surface area of the fuel is increased by thorough grinding; as a result, this surface area controls coal volatilization in the primary burner zone and promotes flame stability. A coal loaded with volatile matter must therefore have a d ₇₅ = 74...