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Title: Research and development relating to lignite use in power production. [21 refs]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7217337

The present emphasis on coal utilization in the United States together with the requirements for reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions has dramatically increased utilization of lignite and subbituminous coals to over 80 million tons annually, mostly for electrical power generation. Boiler and fuel specifications are summarized for three new facilities from 400 to 550 MW designed to use high fouling lignites from Texas and North Dakota. Ash fouling of fire-side boiler tubes is the most serious operating problem. Designs are conservative with low furnace heat release rates, relatively wide tube spacing, and soot blowers. Research in ash fouling is described and the role of sodium as an indicator of fouling discussed. Particulate emissions from boilers fired with low-rank coals are being controlled using electrostatic precipitators and wet scrubbers. Design data are presented and research activities reviewed. High moisture and high sodium contents result in satisfactory performance for ESPs operating on North Dakota lignite. Although lignites are considered low in sulfur, most lignite-fired boilers will require some SO/sub 2/ removal to meet emission standards. Research work on use of the natural alkali in lignite fly ash in wet scrubbers is discussed. Included are data on operating and planned ash-alkali scrubbers. Emission standards are reviewed.

Research Organization:
Energy Research and Development Administration, Grand Forks, ND (USA). Grand Forks Energy Research Center
OSTI ID:
7217337
Report Number(s):
CONF-7606131-1
Resource Relation:
Conference: symposium of Gulf Coast legnile, geology, utilization, and environmental aspects, Austin, TX, USA, 2 Jun 1976
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English