Experimental study on the influence of fuel-rich and fuel-lean coal/airflow ratio on aerodynamic characteristics of a 300MWe foster wheeler down-fired boiler

Abstract

Abstract To address the problem of late ignition and poor burnout of Foster-Wheeler down-fired boilers, this study proposed a new combustion technology, which combines adding on arch secondary air and alternately arranging the fuel-lean coal/airflow (FLCA) and fuel-rich coal/airflow (FRCA). The coal particle trajectories of FLCA and FRCA and overall aerodynamic characteristics in the furnace were studied at FRCA and FLCA ratio (R RL) of 5:5, 7:3, and 9:1. The results showed that even at a low FRCA ratio, the new combustion technology could still effectively ensure the penetration depth of pulverised coal/airflow. At different R RL values, the main airflow from the arch appeared in the near-wall area and could penetrate downwards into the cold ash hopper area. With an increase in the value of R RL, the deflection degree of FLCA towards the furnace wall increased, while that of FRCA decreased. At R RL of 7:3, both the penetration depth and deflection degree of FRCA and FLCA were at a high level, which was conductive to promoting the burnout and recommended in practical applications.