PCI Coal – High-Efficiency Fuel for Industrial Furnaces
PCI Coal – High-Efficiency Fuel for Industrial Furnaces
PCI (Pulverized Coal Injection) coal is a fine coal powder used in blast furnaces for the direct injection into the combustion zone. It offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient alternative to coke, with advantages in emissions reduction, process control, and sustainability in steel production.
What Is PCI Coal and How Is It Produced?
Coal is made from high-quality steam coal and undergoes:
- drying to reduce moisture below 3%,
- milling to particle sizes <200 µm,
- screening and classification,
- chemical analysis to ensure low sulfur and ash.
It is pneumatically injected into the tuyere zone of blast furnaces, where it combusts rapidly and contributes to the reduction of iron ore.
Key Applications in Metallurgy
PCI technology enables:
- reduction of coke usage by up to 250 kg/ton of hot metal,
- better control of furnace heat profiles,
- lower CO₂ and NOₓ emissions,
- decreased production costs without major furnace upgrades.
PCI is now standard in modern blast furnace operation worldwide.
Quality Requirements for PCI Coal
| Parameter | Optimal Value |
| Calorific Value | > 26 MJ/kg |
| Ash Content | < 10% |
| Total Moisture | < 3% |
| Sulfur Content | < 0.6% |
| Particle Size | 100% < 200 µm |
| Volatile Matter | 18–25% |
| Reactivity | High |
Each batch must be certified by lab analysis and comply with site-specific standards.
PCI vs. Coke and Biomass – A Comparison
| Feature | PCI Coal | Coke | Technical Biomass |
| Energy Cost | Low | Very High | Moderate/Variable |
| Carbon Emissions | Lower | High | Lowest |
| Process Stability | Very Good | Excellent | Medium (requires adaptation) |
| Industrial Availability | High | Declining | Region-Dependent |
Safety and Storage of Coal
Due to fine particles and high combustibility, PCI coal must be:
- stored in sealed silos with dust control,
- protected from moisture and air,
- handled with explosion-proof equipment,
- continuously monitored (temperature/humidity).
Beyond Steel – Other PCI Applications
Coal is also used in:
- cement plants (pulverized burners),
- coal gasification units,
- hybrid energy systems (RDF + PCI),
- process heat generation in ceramics and chemicals.
Your Trusted PCI Coal Supplier – Poland & Europe
We offer:
- certified, low-ash PCI coal,
- custom packaging (bulk, big bags, containers),
- technical support and process consultation,
- lab-tested batches with REACH/CLP/SDS documents,
- delivery by road, rail or sea,
- short-term orders and long-term contracts.
We supply coal across Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, and Ukraine.