Fluidized-bed combustion: a better way to burn coal

Journal Article · Mon Jun 07 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Chem. Eng. (N.Y.); (United States)

OSTI ID:7355774

Iammartino, N R

Fluidized-bed combustion looms as a major means for expanding use of abundant coal resources, while protecting the environment. The FBC concept promises low emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, coupled with high overall efficiency in generating electricity. In addition, FBC designs boast the capability of burning many types and grades of coal, including tailings. FBC boiler designs typically center on injecting coal particles, crushed to a maximum size of /sup 1///sub 4/-/sup 1///sub 2/ in., into a turbulent-fluidized-bed combustor. To capture sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/) as it forms, granules of an absorbent, such as limestone or dolomite, are mixed with the coal feed. These granules, as well as ash, constitute virtually all of the bed material; unburned carbon accounts for only 1--2 percent. Fluidization stems from combustion air, which passes through a flat perforated-plate grid and rises in the bed at a 4--12 ft/s superficial velocity. The bed contains a series of vertical or horizontal tubes holding thermal-transfer fluid. (The bed solids more readily transfer heat to the fluid than does gas alone.) Most of the ash in the coal feed leaves overhead as fly ash combustion occurs either at atmospheric pressure or at levels as high as 10 atm. Research programs in the United Kingdom, U. S. and Germany are reviewed briefly.

• OSTI ID: 7355774
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. (N.Y.); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. (N.Y.); (United States) Vol. 83:12; ISSN CHEEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
014000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Combustion
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
200102 -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Power Cycles
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CARBONATE ROCKS
CARBONATES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL
COMBINED-CYCLE POWER PLANTS
COMBUSTION
DOLOMITE
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDIZED-BED COMBUSTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
LIMESTONE
MAGNESIUM CARBONATES
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
MINERALS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
OXIDATION
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POWER PLANTS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RESERVOIR ROCK
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
THERMAL POWER PLANTS