Coal Dust
Description:
- Fine, black powder, often barely visible to the naked eye.
- May have a faint odor depending on the coal source.
Uses:
- Coal dust itself has no intended uses.
- In some industrial processes, pulverized coal is used as fuel after careful handling due to its high combustibility.
Chemical Composition:
- Complex and heterogeneous mixture containing over 50 different elements and their oxides.
- The exact composition varies depending on the coal source and processing methods.
- Major components include:
- Organic matter: Hydrocarbons (various complex carbon-based molecules)
- Inorganic minerals: Silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), iron oxides (Fe2O3, FeO), sulfur compounds (e.g., pyrite FeS2)
Physical Properties:
- Density: Around 1.2-1.5 g/cm3 (lower than most rocks due to its high air content).
- Solubility in Water: Insoluble in pure water. Slightly soluble in some aqueous solutions.
- Melting Point: No defined melting point. Decomposes upon heating.
- Flammability: Highly flammable and can readily ignite in the presence of a spark or open flame.
- Explosivity: Coal dust explosions are a major safety hazard in coal mines and processing facilities due to its fine particle size and combustibility.
Safety Information:
- Inhaling coal dust is a serious health hazard. It can cause various lung diseases, including:
- Pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) – inflammation and scarring of lung tissue.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – difficulty breathing due to airway obstruction.
- Increased risk of lung cancer.
- Coal dust exposure can also irritate the eyes and skin.
- Highly explosive: Avoid creating clouds of coal dust and implement proper ventilation and dust suppression measures in workplaces handling coal.
- Wear appropriate respiratory protection (dust mask) when working in environments with coal dust.
- Follow safety regulations and best practices for handling coal to minimize dust generation and exposure.
