Slag and ash chemistry after high-calcium lignite combustion in a pulverized coal-fired power plant

Abstract

More than 73% of the electrical power requirements of Greece are generated in lignite-fired power plants. Greece is the thirteenth largest coal and the fifth largest lignite producer in the world. The lack of domestic high-rank coals makes necessary to use low quality lignite for power generation in Greece. These lignites are characterized by a high water and ash content and a low calorific value. The low quality of such lignites generates important technical and environmental problems during combustion. Slagging and fouling are common inside the power units and affect with particular severity the power plants performance. Slagging deposits take place in the high temperature radiant sections of the boiler, and are usually associated with some degree of melting of the ash. Fouling deposits are produced in the lower temperature convective sections of the boiler, and are generally related to condensation on the low temperature tube surfaces. Problems in boilers associated with ash deposits include modification of the heat transfer in different sections of the furnace, physical distortion of metal pieces due to the weight of the deposit, clogging of burners, and corrosion and erosion of metal walls. Feed lignite always carries more than 20% of inorganic matter, and its mineralogy and chemistry are originally related to geological factors. Five representative samples were collected from the inner surfaces of Unit 1 of the Agios Dimitrios Power Plant, Northern Greece, reflecting the main types of ash deposits occurring in the combustion facility. The chemistry of these high-calcium ash deposits has been investigated. Moreover, a fly ash and a bottom ash samples were taken and analyzed in order to investigate their possible impact on the environment after land-filling. All samples were digested by using 2.5 ml HNO3, 5ml HF and 2.5 ml HClO4 (1:2:1). Sixty element concentrations were determined in all samples by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) and inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Calcium is the most abundant element in all samples due to the dominance of calcium phases. The chemical composition of the bottom ash, fly ash, slag and fouling deposits, is mainly influenced by the chemical composition of the feed lignite and the co-excavated sterile materials, which are marly limestones containing, on average, 93% of calcite.