How Is Coal Converted Into Other Forms of Energy?
Processing The first step in turning coal into energy is processing. Specialized silos in coal mills called “pulverizers” crush raw coal to a smaller consistency on par with sea salt. From there, the crushed coal travels along conveyor belts at a rate of nearly 4,000 tons per hour and preheated along the way to alleviate any excess moisture. Burning The pulverized coal is directed into an enormous furnace, usually upward of 100 feet tall and is rapidly burned. As the coal burns, tubes along the perimeter of the furnace, which are filled with purified water, are heated to extreme temperatures. The water, as it continues to heat, circulates throughout the boiler tubes and eventually turns into steam with temperatures of around 700 degrees F and a pressure of 3,200 pounds per square inch (psi). The steam is then separated and run through pendant tubes, which superheat it to more than 1,000 degrees F. Finally, the superheated gas exits the furnace and heads toward a turbine. Turbine The tu
