Difference Between Black and Brown coal

Black vs Brown Coal

Coal is available in black and brown.  Both the black and brown coals are ideal fuels. People do not differentiate between black and brown and for them coal means just black only. The people are more familiar with black coal. Here let us discuss some of the differences between the black and brown coals.

In comparison, Black coal is considered to be more ideal as a fuel. Unlike the brown coal, the black coal contains a lesser amount of water. When comparing the energy produced by these two types of coals, the black one produces extra energy than the brown coals.

Brown coal is known as lignite and black coal is known as Bituminous. A soft material, brown coal has only one quarter of the heating value of black coal. When comparing the carbon content, the black coal has more carbon content. Another difference is that the brown coal comes with high moisture.

When comparing the volatile matter in both the coals, the brown coal comes with relatively higher level when compared to black coal.

In the formation of brown coal, moderate pressure and temperature is involved. On the other hand, Black coal is formed because of more temperature and pressure.

Black coals are mainly used for making caking coals. Brown coals are exclusively used for generating electricity. The brown coals are also made into cakes that are used for heating purposes. They are also used in the production of water gas.

The brown coals can be easily converted into gaseous and petroleum products than the black coals.

Summary

1. Unlike the brown coal, the black coal contains a lesser amount of water.
2. When comparing the energy produced by these two types of coals, the black one produces extra energy than the brown coals. Brown coal has only one quarter of the heating value of black coal.
3. When comparing the volatile matter in both the coals, the brown coal comes with a relatively higher level when compared to black coal.
4. Unlike the brown coal, the black coal has more carbon content.
5. The brown coal comes with high moisture than the black coal.
6. The brown coals can be easily converted into gaseous and petroleum products than the black coals.
7. In the formation of brown coal, moderate pressure and temperature is involved. On the other hand, Black coal is formed because of more temperature and pressure.