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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Particulate characterization. Final report for the period ending March 31, 1986. [Baghouse operating efficiency]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5438832

The primary focus is on characteristics which are critical to particulate control device performance and the environment for western low-rank coals. The concern is that the control device removal efficiency is reduced for particles less than 2..mu..m diameter and these fine particles represent a potential health hazard. Fly ash particle size distribution, morphology, composition, and ash cohesiveness were measured and related to the level of fine particle emissions from the baghouse and to the specific coal. A major finding of the study is that fine particulate emissions from a fabric filter are coal specific. That is, some coals produce fly ash which is easily collected while others produce fly ash with a smooth surface texture and low ash cohesiveness resulting in a difficult-to-collect ash. Tests were also conducted to determine the effect of micronizing the coal (mass median diameter approximately 10 ..mu..m) on the amount of respirable particulate matter produced. Results from combustion tests of two coals show that reduction in coal particle size reduces the median fly ash diameter and significantly increases submicron particle production. Trace element fly ash particle size studied for a micronized and a normal grind Texas lignite showed that selenium was the most highly enriched element in the submicron particles but there was also significant submicron enrichment of barium and vanadium for both coals. A method to reduce fine particulate emissions for difficult-to-collect ash was developed.

Research Organization:
North Dakota Univ., Grand Forks (USA). Energy and Mineral Research Center
DOE Contract Number:
FC21-83FE60181
OSTI ID:
5438832
Report Number(s):
DOE/FE/60181-2089; ON: DE86014272
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English