I found a deal on coal through someone I know but it raises some questions. I was told that If I removed the coal from this persons basement I could have it for $100. I jumped at it because a deal is a deal and cheap heat is good. The only information I had was that the coal was loose and that the guy didn't want it and needed it removed. I under estimated things and as it turns out I think I got between 3 and 4 tons of nut coal for $100. I was talking with the guy the other day as I was removing the last of it and I found out that the coal had been in their basement since before 1972 as this is when they moved in and it has been there since. They never used their coal boiler because it didn't work properly and they couldn't find anyone that could make it work. So, of course their loss is my gain. But now it raises a big question. Does anything happen to coal that has been sitting for so long? Is their anything that I should be aware of like it might burn funny from absorbing moisture or anything like that? I don't know if it makes a difference but the boiler I have is a Tarm OT-50 and it runs on natural draft. I only burned coal in it last year for about a month and I was very pleased with it. But, that coal was freshly mined, bagged coal. Does anyone have any useful info that might help?
old coal
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claydogg84
Minister of Fire
Hope someone stops by with an answer for you. I'm curious as well because a friend at work just purchased a coal stove. He said that it doesn't go bad with age, but he's not very educated in coal burning.
It's been underground for a few million years, so hurry up and burn it within the next million.
Coal has been sitting underground for millions of years, a few year sitting in a basement will not affect it. Unlike pellets and wood, coal doesn't absorb moisture.
I've been told that the only thing that effects coal is sun-light,if out side in sun for some time
this is not good for coal,not sure of this but google and might find out.
kennyp2339
Minister of Fire
If you have my mother in law sit on it, it might turn into a diamond.
I realize it has been undergtound for a million years. I just wasn't sure if the different environment up her would effect it in any way. After all granite is rock but it absorbs moisture. I thought just maybe if solid rock can absorb moisture maybe coal could too.
Nope I ment to say Anthracite coal is hydroscopic-it does not absorb water.
When Anthracite Coal is washed, screened and classified for size it it floats
upward through a coal washer venturi(in one model of washer with the heavier material and rejects settling to the bottom and then the coal flows out to be screened and then dewatered as it passes over the screens.
When Anthracite Coal is washed, screened and classified for size it it floats
upward through a coal washer venturi(in one model of washer with the heavier material and rejects settling to the bottom and then the coal flows out to be screened and then dewatered as it passes over the screens.
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I think you may have mistyped something. hygroscopic means that it does absorb water and moisture will Physically change it like salt in a salt shaker when its humid.
BoilerMan
Minister of Fire
Wisneaky
Minister of Fire
coal won't go bad and doesn't absorb moisture unless its a really soft coal. If you don't want it you could ship it to me. I wish I could find that much coal for that price. That's a great find enjoy it!
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