Coal Burns Faster with More Oxygen

Scientists have been exploring how oxygen affects the burning of coal. They conducted experiments by changing the amount of oxygen and heat. They examined the oxidized parts of the coal to see how easily they could be ignited. By increasing the coal from 5 to 300 grams, they found that the needed temperature to start a fire dropped significantly – around 230°C! Higher oxygen levels in the air also made the coal burn quicker at the same temperature, similar to how blowing on a candle makes it burn brighter.

But get this, the coal's oxidation didn't just increase steadily. First, it decreased, then it increased as the temperature rose. A specific range of temperatures, from below 150°C to about 175°C, is where ether bonds in coal form and get oxidized. That's when coal seams become more prone to catching fire.

Actions