Optimization of multi variant process parameters to reduce emissions of high sulfur coal during combustion in fluidized bed facility

Ahmad Naveed,Shafiq Ur Rehman,Muhammad Sajid Kamran,Bhutta Muhammad Mahmood Aslam,Syed Muhammad Sohail Rehman,Asad Naeem Shah

doi:10.1177/16878140211044659

Abstract

Pakistan has 185 billion tonnes reserves of coal but unfortunately the quality of 80% of this coal is not good. As the country has a shortage of energy so it is necessary to refine the coal before it can be used to produce electricity. In this sense, this research is very important as it enables indigenous coal to meet the increasing energy demand. This study is focused on the control of sulfur emissions during the combustion of high sulfur Pakistani coal from the Trans Indus Range and the Salt Range. Parameters like Ca/S molar ratios (MRs), limestone particle size, bed temperature, and different percentages of biomass in co-firing with coal have been studied. It is showed that desulfurization of coal was maximum with the fine-sized particles of limestone. Co-firing of moderate quantity biomass exhibited a considerable decrease in SO2 emissions. Results achieved are presented in the form of tables and plots. This study for control of the gaseous emissions from combustion in FBC facility has great potential for new coal based power projects, especially in Pakistan.

Highlights

Coal is the world’s most abundant and widely distributed fossil fuel, with global proven reserves of nearly 1000 billion tonnes and has been a key component of electricity generation mix worldwide.[1,2] Coal provides more than 40% of the world’s electricity[3,4] and this share is predominant for some countries such as South Africa (93%), Poland (92%), China (79%), India (69%), and the United States (49%)
Effect of limestone quantity on SO2Figure 4 shows the influence of different quantities of limestone in terms of Ca/S molar ratios (MRs) on SO2 emissions during combustion of coal from Trans Indus Range (coal A) from the Trans Indus Range and coal B from the Salt Range
It shows that an increase in limestone quantity beyond MR = 3.5, is not feasible for SO2 retention, and 3.5 is the optimum value of MR to get the maximum reduction in SO2 in the case of both coals

Summary

Introduction

Coal is the world’s most abundant and widely distributed fossil fuel, with global proven reserves of nearly 1000 billion tonnes and has been a key component of electricity generation mix worldwide.[1,2] Coal provides more than 40% of the world’s electricity[3,4] and this share is predominant for some countries such as South Africa (93%), Poland (92%), China (79%), India (69%), and the United States (49%). The growing energy needs of the developing world are leading to the fact that coal will remain a key component of the power regardless of climate change policy.[5].

Methods

Results

Conclusion