If a steam engine uses the type of coal used in steel making, would that help the steaming of the engine.
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That question is way too vague. What kind of engine? What kind of firebox? What are the BTUs of the coal in question? What is the coal size? What do you mean by "helping the steaming of the engine?"
I was thinking metalergic coal used for steam making in the firebox of any of the steamers which are coal fired running now.
Originally Posted by Dominic Mazoch:
I was thinking metalergic coal used for steam making in the firebox of any of the steamers which are coal fired running now.
i know some live steamers who use coke.
although almost completely clinker/ ash free, it burns very hot.
Yes, any refinement of the coal helps efficiency. Problem is the cost to do so.
Actually, I spent my career in coal.
First, metallugical coal can and was used in locomotives. Back when steam locos were on the tracks, met coal technology was not what it is today- or 30 yrs ago.
There are two basic types of met coal though. LV and HV- Low & High Volatile. Low vol coal is not suitable for boilers in that it will 'coke out' or clinker before combusting in most applications. HV coal is used in NEARLY all steam boiler applications. The efficiency of the coal is more related to ash levels, btu levels, etc.
HV met coals can most always be burned for steam, but steam coals cannot be used in met applications unless they have met properties. In that case- it's a met coal, in general terms.
Clear as mud??
Coke? Good quality coke burns very hot and could damage the boiler wall. Risky, but it burns cleaner.
D
You cannot burn coke in a steam locomotive. It burns way too hot and damages (melts) the grates.
The coal we use in 765 today is not quite met coal, but almost. The coal we buy must meet these minimum specs:
At least 12,500 btu/lb.
Less than 6% ash
At least 2,600 F fusion temperature
For a steam loco application we are not concerned about sulfur or moisture content.
Coal with these specs costs in the neighborhood of $150 - $200 per ton, depending on the delivery location.
Originally Posted by OGR Webmaster:
Coal with these specs costs in the neighborhood of $150 - $200 per ton, depending on the delivery location.
boy i wish... most of us don't have the room to store 50 tons, though!
shipping coal to the west coast is a killer.
Rich
The fusion temperature dictates a HV coal. LV coals typically run 2100- 2150 ash fusion. What is the sizing requirement for coal used in the loco's boiler?
BTW, most HV met coals run 13.000 btu/lb. Met coals MUST be less than 1% sul- lower the better, Ash typically a 7% Max- at least on the HV portion of the blend.
The size consist will restricy sources I expect..
Where is 765 located?
I'm here in the coalfields of Virginia.
David
Originally Posted by OGR Webmaster:
You cannot burn coke in a steam locomotive. It burns way too hot and damages (melts) the grates.
The coal we use in 765 today is not quite met coal, but almost. The coal we buy must meet these minimum specs:
At least 12,500 btu/lb.
Less than 6% ash
At least 2,600 F fusion temperature
For a steam loco application we are not concerned about sulfur or moisture content.
Coal with these specs costs in the neighborhood of $150 - $200 per ton, depending on the delivery location.
What size consist is required for a loco? Is it a grate stoker feed?
Great thread.
Jon 
