Investigation of international experience with pulverized coal fires and explosions. Final report
- Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT (United States). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
- Daedalus Associates, Inc., Mountain View, CA (United States)
In the early 1980s there were indications that not only were pulverized coal (p.c.) mill fires and explosions a major cause of electric utility down time, but that the incidence of foreign p.c. mill explosions was lower than in the US. This study was established to survey foreign utility experience with p.c. fires and explosions and to relate this to US experience. Sources of foreign p.c. technology were located and visits made to Japan, Australia, England, France, Germany, and Switzerland. Pulverized coal mill manufacturers, operators, researchers and regulators were visited. The results indicate that (1) the conditions necessary for p.c. explosions are known, (2) all p.c. mill systems have the potential to be exploded, (3) there are no p.c. mill design or operating secrets held by foreign sources not known in the US, (4) p.c. mill fires and explosions in foreign countries have the same scenarios as in the US, (5) undiscovered fires in p.c. mill systems are the major cause of p.c. mill explosions, (6) p.c. mill fire and explosion rates tend to correlate with coal type fed to the mill (as described by the fuel ratio) and operator familiarity and caution in operating p.c. mill systems, (7) for a number of reasons, it was not possible to calculate explosion rates in foreign countries that could be compared directly to US experience; however, it was possible to note aspects of foreign operating experience, mill modifications, and pulverizer research that could provide guidance for US and Canadian utilities seeking to continue improving their pulverizer operations. Research on p.c. explosions is reviewed along with implications of the research into operating procedures. Operator experience, training and vigilance can be a significant factor in reducing the risk. Recommendations are made to increase operator efforts to identify and fight fires that would traditionally be undiscovered.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT (United States). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering; Daedalus Associates, Inc., Mountain View, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 10169710
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR--102392; ON: UN93017528
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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