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Rank of Coal
Coal is complex combination of material, and the combination has great difference from
one formation or deposit to another.

These differences result from:

1. The varying types of vegetation from which the coal originated.
2. The depth of burial and the temperature and pressure at those depths.
3. The length of time the coal has been forming in the deposit.
Following are ranks of coal in progressive order.

1. Lignite
Lignite often referred to as brown coal and may be represented as immature coal. It is
considered as the lowest rank of coal; and used almost exclusively as a fuel for steam-
electric power generation. It is brownish-black in color and has a high inherent moisture
content sometimes as high as 66%, and also high ash content (50%). Lignite is a
geologically young coal which has lowest carbon content (25-35%) that produces less
than 8,300 BTUs per pound. It has a high content of volatile matter which makes it easier
to convert into gas and liquid petroleum products than higher ranking coals. However, its
high moisture content and susceptibility to spontaneous combustion can cause problems
in transportation and storage. Because of its low energy density, brown coal is inefficient
to transport and is not traded extensively on the world market compared with higher coal
grades. Lignite is typically mined by stripping methods and burned in power stations
constructed very close to any mines known as mine-mouth power plant.

2. Sub-bituminous coal
It is intermediate in rank between lignite and bituminous coal and is used primarily as
fuel for steam-electric power generation. It contains 35 to 45% percent carbon and the
heat content of sub-bituminous coals range from 8300 to 11,500 BTu/lb. This coal
generally has a lower sulfur content than other types, which makes it attractive for use
because it is cleaner burning.

3. Bituminous coal
Bituminous coal or black coal is a relatively soft coal containing a tar like substance
called bitumen. It is of higher quality than lignite and poor than anthracite coal,
extensively used in iron and steel manufacturing. Bituminous coal is an organic
sedimentary rock formed by digenetic and sub-metamorphic compression of peat
material. It is often with well-defined bands of bright and dull material.

SOCIETY OF MINING ENGINEERS

Department of Mining Engineering,
Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro
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4. Anthracite
It is nearly pure form of carbon Used primarily for residential and commercial space
heating. Anthracite is the highest rank of coal. Its hard, brittle, lustrous black texture
contains a high percentage of fixed carbon and low percentage of volatile matter. Its high
carbon content (86 to 99%) allows to burn hot and long and it has a heating value of
nearly 16,000 BTUs/lb.

SOCIETY OF MINING ENGINEERS

Department of Mining Engineering,
Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro