Coal-water slurry fuel utilization in utility and industrial boilers

Bruce G. Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The focus of this study is on CWSFs (Coal-Water Slurry Fuels) produced from bituminous coals for use in oil-designed utility and industrial boilers. While CWSFs can be produced from anthracite and low-rank coals, their physical and chemical properties differ from those of bituminous fuels. The lower reactivity and volatiles evolution (hence poor ignition stability) of anthracite hinders its use as a CWSF, and alcohols such as methanol must be added to the coal-water mixtures for acceptable combustion performance. Lignitic and subbituminous coals can be made into acceptable slurries. CWSF is typically composed of 60-75% coal, 24-39% water, and 1% chemical additives (unless otherwise noted, all percentages are by weight). Finely ground CWSFs, the typical feed for advanced combustion systems such as gas turbines, are more dilute (50-55% coal) because of the lower packing efficiency. The physical and combustion characteristics of the CWSF are outlined along with fuel formulation and rheology. Commercial applications in the United States, Canada, Sweden, Japan, Italy, Korea and China are discussed. CWSF combustion is reviewed. Retrofitting an oil fired boiler to fire CWSF and solutions to derating are also assessed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)29-38
Number of pages10
JournalChemical Engineering Progress
Volume85
Issue number3
StatePublished - Mar 1 1989

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Materials Chemistry

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