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Testing and evaluation of fluidized-bed combustion of Texas lignite. Final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6228544· OSTI ID:6228544

The Texas Energy and Natural Resources Advisory Council (TENRAC) supports utilization of the state's lignite resources through lignite research, development, and demonstration. This report presents the results of a testing and evaluation program to assess the technological, environmental, economic, and institutional issues affecting the utilization of Texas lignite for industrial-sized AFBC applications. Tests were conducted by Combustion Power Company (CPC) on Texas lignites from the Wilcox Group (Monticello mine) and from the Jackson Group (San Miguel mine). In general, these lignites are poor quality fuels with low heating values and high moisture and ash contents. Jackson lignite contains high sulfur and moderate sodium levels. Wilcox lignite is low in sulfur and sodium content. Short-term tests were conducted with these lignites that primarily investigated the effect of bed temperature and limestone addition rate. The test unit was an atmospheric pressure fluid bed combustor with a seven square foot bed area capable of firing up to 800 pounds per hour of Texas lignite at the conditions tested. The size of this test unit should be large enough to yield data useable for designing larger industrial-sized facilities. However, the bed area may be too small to provide scalable data regarding lignite feed points and air distribution in the boiler. The test unit was also equipped with components that are being considered for use in industrial systems such as a limestone feed system and baghouse for SO/sub 2/ and particulate emissions control, respectively, and a recycle cyclone to improve combustion efficiency and limestone utilization. Major results of the project are summarized.

Research Organization:
Radian Corp., Austin, TX (USA); Combustion Power Co., Inc., Menlo Park, CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
6228544
Report Number(s):
TENRAC/EDF-068; ON: DE83902064
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English