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Combustion testing of San Miguel lignite

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6473209

Results from pilot plant testing of the San Miguel lignite are: (1) The ash fouling furnace is an empirical tool which provides good information on relative fouling potential of various fuels. In the case of San Miguel lignite tests suggest a severe fouling problem is conventional boiler designs are employed. (2) No effect in either deposition rate or deposit strength was seen when MgO and CaCO/sub 3/ were used at additives. For these tests a single addition rate was utilizing two different injection points in the system. (3) No bed agglomeration was noted under the varied run conditions used in testing of this lignite fuel. (4) The atmospheric fluidized-bed combustor (AFBC) NO/sub x/ level emitted in the flue gas were always less than the NSPS limit of 0.6 lbs NO/sub 2//10/sup 6/ Btu. (5) Utilization of inherent alkali was less than that observed for North Dakota lignites. It was possible to meet NSPS standards of 90 percent sulfur capture using limestone addition. (6) Pulverized-coal combustion of San Miguel lignite resulted in a larger portion of <1 ..mu..m size particulates than has been noted in similar tests with the Arapahoe subbituminous coal and the Ledbetter Texas lignite. (7) The composition of particulates from P-C combustion of San Miguel lignite has a more varied composition than has been seen in testing with other types of coal. Use of lower grade fuels such as the lignite from the San Miguel mine is inevitable if we are to meet the expanding needs for energy in the United States today. To make use of these different fuels extensive testing on laboratory and pilot scales will be beneficial in avoiding major problems due to the different characteristics these materials possess. The present successful operation of a full scale boiler using the San Miguel lignite is a good example of the value pilot scale studies can have on the road to successful operation.

Research Organization:
Department of Energy, Grand Forks, ND (USA). Grand Forks Energy Technology Center
OSTI ID:
6473209
Report Number(s):
DOE/FC-1007; CONF-821182-1; ON: DE83009844
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English