Pulverized Coal Combustion And Gasification

viii and approaches could be adapted to other coal conversion and combustion problems, we have not considered combustion or gasification in fluidized or fixed beds or in situ processes. In addition, we have not considered other fossil-fuel combustion problems associated with oil shale, tar sands, etc., even though many aspects of pulverized-coal combustion would relate to these problems. For the case of pulverized-coal models, we have attempted to provide a detailed description of the model foundations. Parts I and II of this book emphasize general principles for describing reacting, turbulent or laminar, multiphase systems. General conservation equations are developed and summarized. The basis for computing thermochemical equilibrium in complex, heterogeneous mixtures is presented, together with techniques for rapid computation and reference to required input data. Rate processes are then discussed, including pertinent aspects of turbulence, chemical kinetics, radiative heat transfer, and gas-particle convective-diffusive interactions. Much of Part II deals with parameters and coefficients for describing these complex rate processes. This part of the book provides recommended values of coefficients and parameters for treating complex reacting flows. Parts I and II may well be suitable for use in an advanced course in reacting flows, and have been written partly with that in mind. Part III deals with more specific aspects of pulverized-coal characteristics and rate processes. Following a general description of coal structure and constitution, coal pyrolysis and char oxidation processes are considered.

Incuding an overview of two of the most common uses of coal: combustion and gasification. First, it outlines problems and possible solutions, and then the nature of coal is described. The book goes on to describe the technical aspects of combustion of pulverized coal and the combustion mechanism of coal in fixed, moving, and fluidized beds. Industrial coal combustion applications are then outlined, together with other combustion applications, including co-firing, coal-water, slurries, and briquettes. Finally, gasification of coal, a possible major clean coal technology of the future, is discussed.

The study of coal for the production of energy is certainly not a new area of research. Many research works were carried out to improve the efficiency of industrial and domestic facilities. In the sixties, however, because of the availability and low cost of petroleum, coal consumption decreased and the research effort in this area was minimum. Meanwhile, the situation has totally changed. Considering the reserves of oil and the instability ofregions where they are located, it is becoming absolutely necessary to develop other sources of energy.The major alternative to oil appears to be coal, at least for the near future. Indeed, the reserves known today represent several centuries of energy consumption.!t is therefore becoming urgent to develop efficient and non polluting technologies to produce energy from coal. The main possibilities are : · liquefaction · gasification · directed combustion. Research and development efforts on liquefaction have been considerably reduced because of high cost of technologies involved and poor prospects for the next two decades. Research works on gasification are progressing; it is a promising approach. However, direct combustion either in pulverized coal furnaces or in fluidized beds is the more promising way of expanding rapidly the utilization of coal. These techniques are already used in some facilities but many environmental problems remain, slowing down their development.

The use of coal is required to help satisfy the world's energy needs. Yet coal is a difficult fossil fuel to consume efficiently and cleanly. We believe that its clean and efficient use can be increased through improved technology based on a thorough understanding of fundamental physical and chemical processes that occur during consumption. The principal objective of this book is to provide a current summary of this technology. The past technology for describing and analyzing coal furnaces and combus tors has relied largely on empirical inputs for the complex flow and chemical reactions that occur while more formally treating the heat-transfer effects. GrOWing concern over control of combustion-generated air pollutants revealed a lack of understanding of the relevant fundamental physical and chemical mechanisms. Recent technical advances in computer speed and storage capacity, and in numerical prediction of recirculating turbulent flows, two-phase flows, and flows with chemical reaction have opened new opportunities for describing and modeling such complex combustion systems in greater detail. We believe that most of the requisite component models to permit a more fundamental description of coal combustion processes are available. At the same time there is worldwide interest in the use of coal, and progress in modeling of coal reaction processes has been steady.

This work is a broad, integrated treatment of the fundamentals of coal combustion and gasification. Most of the authors are recognized professionals in the field and all are conducting research work in the Advanced Combustion Engineering Research Center. The focus of the book is on clean and efficient use of coal. Practical chapters on coal processes, including coal technology projects and on acid rain formation control, lay a foundation for the fundamental treatment. The book is comprehensive in its treatment with over 1000 world-wide references, most of which are from the past five years.