Coal fired prototype high temperature continuous flow heat exchanger. AF-684 research project 545-1. Final report, February 1978

Technical Report · Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5011840· OSTI ID:5011840

This research program was initiated because of the potential of using high temperature ceramic components for direct coal fired advanced utility power systems offering greatly improved efficiency and reduced component cost and maintenance. The program investigated important questions relative to the use of ceramics for this application. The material investigated was siliconized silicon carbide. The results achieved included: Identification of system performance requirements, combustor/heat exchanger module dimensions and layout, and the required critical component research; fabrication of U-bend tubes, tube-to-header joints, tube-to-tube joints and a ten-tube heat exchanger module that was tested at temperature; proved helium containment at 2250/sup 0/F and 500 psia; performed crack propagation, thermal cycling and mechanical torsion tests with ceramic samples; proved that no erosion or corrosion occurred when ceramic tubes were subjected to molten coal slag and coal slag could be removed by melt-off; and completion of a conceptual design of a combustor/heat exchanger for test with a small engine. This work answered all of the significant questions posed and justified continued effort. The property testing indicated that the strength levels were acceptable but there was a wide disparity in the as-fired material strength between test pieces and also when compared to the machined and polished samples. A recommendation was made to concentrate continued work on the improvement of the material strength in the as-fired condition and to further develop non-destructive test techniques for evaluation and characterization of these materials.

• Research Organization: AiResearch Mfg. Co. of Arizona, Phoenix (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5011840
• Report Number(s): EPRI-AF-684
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
HEAT EXCHANGERS
MATERIALS
TESTING
SILICON CARBIDES
USES
CERAMICS
CLOSED-CYCLE SYSTEMS
GAS TURBINES
VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
SILICON COMPOUNDS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
200104* - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Components
360203 - Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories- Mechanical Properties