When it comes to burning coal, it is important to recognise the versatility that is available on the market. After all, some are suitable for household use whilst others are not. Here at Pearson Fuels, we believe that it is important to ensure that homeowners understand the differences between the different coal options on the market. Read on as we go over everything you need to know about bituminous coal…

What is it?

Coal is ranked in terms of its age, or how long it has been submerged under the ground for, and bituminous coal is the variety that is the most abundant. It is ranked in between sub-bituminous and anthracite in terms of age and manages to hold a flame extremely well which makes it the perfect choice for household use.

Characteristics

With a 60-80% carbon content, bituminous coal is one of the most effective coals on the market. It differs in colour between dark brown and black, however, these differences tend not to make much of difference to the burning ability of the fossil fuel. After all, bituminous coal offers an incredibly high heat value which means that it has the ability to burn for a long period of time at a higher than average temperature.

Uses

Since it is available in abundance, bituminous coal has a variety of different uses in a range of different industries. For example, it is used in order to generate at least 30% of the world’s electricity as part of many electric power plants. In addition to this, it can also be used to make a material known as ‘coke’ which is used in the smelting of iron. With this said, perhaps the most recognised use involves the household as bituminous coal is traditionally used in fireplaces and stoves.

As the most common type of coal found in the household, bituminous coal is often referred to as house coal. After all, it has the ability to offer property owners a variety of high-quality burning benefits that cannot be gained through the use of alternatives like lignite or anthracite. As the best coal merchants on the market, the team here at Pearson Fuels stock a range of high-quality house coals that deliver a high heat output, long burning times and bright flames. Get in contact with a member of the team to find out more information today!