Operating Experience With Pulverized Texas Lignite in a Large Central Station

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the lignite resources of Texas, the characteristics of lignite, and the equipment, operating practices, and results obtained in burning it at the Trinidad steam-electric station, the base-load station for the Texas Power and Light Company, 65 miles southeast of Dallas. The station has six steam-generating units firing pulverized lignite, and two 20,000- and one 35,000-kw turbo-generators. The original plant, consisting of four steam-generating units, and two 20,000-kw turbines, started operation in June, 1926. The rest of the station started operation in May, 1931. Trinidad was not only the first large station to use Texas lignite, but also the first to use it in pulverized form. In the ten years of its operation it has used 100 per cent pulverized lignite very successfully in regard to reliability and economy. Operating costs have been favorable as compared with fuel oil and natural gas during a period when there has been a very large flush production of each within the state. It is now the only station burning pulverized Texas lignite and the only large station burning it in any form.