Before igniting a pulverized coal fire, what should be checked?

When preparing to ignite a pulverized coal fire, it's essential to check the moisture content of the coal. Moisture content directly affects the efficiency and effectiveness of combustion. High moisture levels in coal can hinder ignition, cause steam formation, and lead to suboptimal burning conditions. This can result in incomplete combustion and increased emissions, both of which are undesirable in a controlled environment like a boiler or furnace.

In contrast, while knowing whether coal is stored outside or understanding the physical structure of the furnace might have relevance in certain contexts, they do not specifically relate to the immediate requirement for ignition. The details on the coal supplier could be important for quality control, but they do not directly impact the ignition process. Therefore, monitoring moisture content is critical to ensure proper burning conditions and optimize performance.