Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 18

Research paper - Essay Example There are two ways to classify fuels. Firstly, on the basis of the physical state they exist in, either being solid, liquid or gas and secondly, how they are obtained: either naturally or are manufactured. Fuels existing naturally include Wood, Coal, Petroleum and Natural gas whereas manufactured fuels include Coke, Charcoal, Alcohols and Water gas to name a few (Types of Fuels and Their Characteristics 37-38). Solid fuels for example Coal have been widely used throughout and have a number of advantages. Their transportation is easy and also there is no risk of a spontaneous explosion. They also do not possess a very high temperature for ignition. However, their content of ash is great which is harmful for the environment (Types of Fuels and Their Characteristics 38). Around 80% of the coal is used for generating electricity. It is also utilized in furnaces for steel production. The refined coal is called ‘coke’ and it does not pollute the environment. When coal is heated in the absence of the air, coal tar and coal gas are removed which are its impurities (Walker 11). Out of all the fossil fuels, coal has the highest number of reserves around the world and is obtained through mining. Huge number of ‘coal basins’ are present in the Northern hemisphere of the Earth, like in the countries England, China and Australia to be specific (Spliethoff 25). The liquid fuels like Petroleum can be classified as natural or crude oils and also as manufactured or artificial oils. The advantages of liquid fuels include easy storage and transport, requirement of less space and no production of dust or ash upon heating. On the other hand their use carries some disadvantages as well. They give off a bad odor, special tanks are required for their transportation and the extremely inflammable and volatile nature of these liquids pose great hazards (Types of Fuels and Their Characteristics