Local particle velocity, size, and concentration measurements in an industrial-scale pulverized coal-fired boiler

Abstract

Parametric, in situ, particle velocity, size, and number density measurements have been made in a full-scale, coal-burning power plant using an optical diagnostic technique. Available ports in the boiler allowed measurement at three locations above the burner level. Variable test parameters included furnace load, excess air, and burner tilt, using a medium volatile bituminous coal. Higher particle velocities were observed when the boiler was operated at maximum capacity due to increased air and coal flows. Port-to-port velocity variations were attributed to the rotational nature of the mean flow, changes in gas density with changing gas temperature, and the interaction of the flow with the boiler nose. Measured particle number density profiles were characterized by high values in the small particle size class (< μm), decreasing exponentially with increasing particle size. The measured number density profiles indicated that the combustion process is largely complete at locations 7 m above the burners and that the particles measured consisted primarily of ash, a conclusion which is also supported by the percent carbon-in-ash data. The mass-mean and number-mean particle sizes for all tests varied between 10 and 45, and 0.5 and 0.85 μm, respectively. The characteristic similarity between the particle size distribution of the ash and that of the parent char, previously documented in laboratory scale investigations, was also observed in the present study. Cumulative mass distribution profiles indicated that a significant centrifugal effect is exerted on the condensed phase by the rotating flow. An increase in small particle number density (∼ 0.5 μm) was also apparent at lower boiler loads due to changes in the combustion process occurring at these operating conditions, which affect the various modes of ash particle formation.