KOONSTER is right,.. Rudy Diesel first desired to create an engine that would run on pulverized coal dust. He had hell doing it and he never was satisfied with it.
He switched to oil and the rest is history! Back in the ancient days of the Internal Combustion engine development, there were some IC engines that were run on GUNPOWDER!!! Talk about fuel knock!!! (and we think our CTD's rattle!)
BTW, Rudolph originally believed his new highly efficient compression-ignition engine would require NO cooling!!!
Well, the devil's in the details, but diesels still throw off certainly less excess heat than gassers!

If you want to see how much GRIT and Abrasive CRAP is in coal, have someone show you the "BAG HOUSE" at an old coal fired power plant.. (it's radioactive too!)

Keith

 

I also work in a Coal fired powerplant, the reason I still have a job as a lot of the gass fired units are moth balled. Coal is very abrasive, you should see the inside of our pulverizers. Flyash and bottom ash is also produced in the combustion process. There is a lot of labor involved in keeping the unit running. Dirt burner. I have worked in operation, maintance and the coal yard for 18 years.
If I had a truck load of coal I would use it to heat my shop or house. I was told by a fellow that the coal would do a good job of heating a house with the correct type of equiment. Lasts longer that wood also or that is what I was told. regards Jim

 

Hot, dirty work aint it??

Between the flyash, bottom ash, heat, coal dust, and chemicals in the water treatment plant it isnt a LOT of fun. If it didnt pay well, I sure wouldnt be in this line of work.