Potential benefits of experimental modelling techniques when assessing combustion behaviour of a suite of coals

Edward Lester, T. Wu, W. Quick, W. Gibb, R. Stainsby

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Since coal will remain a major source of fuel for power generation for the foreseeable future, it is important for users to maximise their efficiency from the currently available markets. Russia is a dominant supplier to the UK at present, and burnout is known to vary considerably, depending on the source. In this study, eight Russian coals in pulverised size (75% less than 75 μm) were characterised using standard techniques, non-traditional image analysis techniques and with a combustion modelling approach (ChB), in order to predict burnout characteristics. These coals were then pyrolysed in a drop tube furnace, at 1300°C, 150 ms and 1% oxygen, and the subsequent chars characterised for reactivity and morphology. The chars were then refired in order to assess burnout propensity at 1300°C, 5 vol.-% oxygen and 600 ms. The results show that the ChB modelling technique can accurately predict burnout performance of unknown coals and may provide a cost effective approach to assess coal combustion performance in pulverised coal fired furnaces, without the need for pilot scale trials, or drop tube furnace tests.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)63-68
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the Energy Institute
Volume81
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Char burnout
  • Coal combustion
  • Combustion modeling
  • Image analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Fuel Technology
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Potential benefits of experimental modelling techniques when assessing combustion behaviour of a suite of coals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this