Coal

Coal

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal seams. The harder forms, such as anthracite coal, can be regarded as metamorphic rock because of later exposure to elevated temperature and pressure. Coal is composed primarily of carbon along with variable quantities of other elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Industry: Energy

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Coal

atmospheric crude oil distillation

Energy; Coal

The refining process of separating crude oil components at atmospheric pressure by heating to temperatures of about 600 degrees to 750 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the nature of the crude oil and ...

auger mine

Energy; Coal

A surface mine in which the coal bed is removed by means of a large diameter drill. Usually operated only when the overburden becomes too thick for economical strip mining.

authorized cash distribution to municipality

Energy; Coal

The authorized cash distributions to the municipality from the earned surplus of the utility department.

automatic set-back or clock thermostat

Energy; Coal

A thermostat that can be set to turn the heating/cooling system off and on at certain predetermined times.

automobile and truck classifications

Energy; Coal

Vehicle classifications for automobiles and light duty trucks were obtained from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) mileage guide book. Almost every year there are small changes in the ...

auxiliary generator

Energy; Coal

A generator at the electric plant site that provides power for the operation of the electrical generating equipment itself, including related demands such as plant lighting, during periods when the ...

available but not needed capability

Energy; Coal

Net capability of main generating units that are operable but not considered necessary to carry load and cannot be connected to load within 30 minutes.