British Coal Utilisation Research Association Research Articles

The Influence of Certain Factors on the Performance of a Lancashire Boiler

The paper summarizes results obtained in a programme of research carried out by the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, under the guidance of the Shell-type Boiler and Firing Equipment Committee, an advisory committee convened by the Association in 1943. In this country, 70–80 million tons of coal are consumed per annum in shell boilers of different types or burnt in industrial and heating furnaces in which mechanical firing is, or might be, employed. It is probable that 45–50 million tons per annum are used for steam raising in Lancashire boilers and it is more specifically with this type of boiler that the paper deals. Excess air admitted through or in the neighbourhood of the fuel bed in a boiler represents, perhaps, the most important source of inefficiency, owing to the fact that it results in a substantial increase in gas temperature at the boiler exit. The experiments quoted show that, in terms of fuel consumption per pound of steam produced, increase in exit-gas temperature is responsible for approximately 50 per cent of the total effect of excess air. The elimination of excess air entering the furnace tubes of a Lancashire boiler represents one of the most important possibilities of effecting fuel economy on a large scale. The rate of evaporation in relation to the normal rating of a boiler is another important factor. The investigations described show that, over a wide range of conditions, the heat absorption efficiency of a Lancashire boiler—without an economizer—decreases by 2 per cent for each 1,000 lb. per hr. increase in evaporation. The corresponding figure for the complete plant—boiler and economizer—is 1·8 per cent. It is suggested that the most efficient rate of evaporation with this type of boiler is approximately 70 per cent of normal rating. Under these conditions, with modern equipment and suitable fuel, operating efficiencies up to 80–85 per cent should be practicable. Brief reference is made to “unaccounted” heat loss as an important item in the testing of a boiler and to the influence of boiler and stoker type and the effect of fuel characteristics on efficiency. Many of the points mentioned in the paper are being further investigated in the steam engineering laboratories of the British Coal Utilisation Research Association.

The problems of coal geochemistry

1. Research work in the field of coal geochemistry (being any chemistry bearing on the geological process of coal formation) is briefly sketched--emphasis being placed on work now in progress in the United States. No effort is made to treat any phase of the subject at length; the purpose being, rather, to bring to the attention of geologists work of fundamental importance now being investigated largely by coal chemists.2. The determination of the chemical constitution of coal is being investigated by treating coal by certain techniques familiar to the chemist in other fields of organic chemistry--e.g., oxidation, reduction, halogenation, thermal decomposition.3. Work has been done on the process of coalification by the production of artificial coals from specific plant materials and on several of the biochemical aspects of the coal formation problem.4. Investigations of the physical properties of coal which bear on its chemistry are in progress--particularly in the laboratories of the British Coal Utilization Research Association.5. The suggestion is made that geologists interest themselves in this branch of coal science. Because of the geologist9s intimacy with the descriptive side of the world9s coal, it is felt that field studies could be supplemented by determinations of certain properties of coal, the theory of which is now being investigated. It is believed that an ultimate understanding of the metamorphic process of coal formation may involve a knowledge of phenomena that, for the most part, transcends the present interests of both the chemist and the geologist. The cooperation between the chemist and the geologist is regarded as important and every effort should be made to bridge the gulf that appears to exist between the terminology and objectives of the two sciences.

Solubility of Bituminous Coal in Alcoholic Potash

IN the course of some exploratory experiments carried out eighteen months ago when I was a member of the staff of the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, it was observed that appreciable quantities of some bituminous coals were soluble (or dispersible) in alcoholic potash. A Northumberland coal containing 82·6 per cent of carbon and 5.1 per cent of hydrogen (on ash-free basis) was soluble to the extent of 20 per cent. Since its solubility in aqueous potash was quite inappreciable, this coal contained no significant quantity of ulmic material (âhumic acids"), such as is formed when coal is oxidized by air exposure. Moreover, the proportion of coal extracted by alcoholic potash at the boiling temperature was unchanged when the experiment was carried out in the complete absence of air.

B.C.U.R.A. Quarterly Gazette

THE B.C.U.R.A. Quarterly Gazette—a new publication of the British Coal Utilization Research Association—is designed to give a more colourful account of the Association‘s work and to serve a wider range of readers than a rigorously scientific journal. To factual accounts of research and development projects, it will add a running commentary on the Association‘s staff and their activities. The circulation will not be limited to members only. The first number contains a survey by Sir Charles Ellis, president of the Council, as it finds itself in a nationalized coal industry, covering its members, staff, accommodation, work and prospects. There follow articles on technical achievements in course of development. B.C.U.R.A. Patent No. 1 describes the down jet furnace, which employs a revolutionary system of combustion of solid fuels. Normal combustion on a grate is beset by limitations owing to the presence of ash and volatile matter in the fuel. These are avoided by the new technique, which provides freedom to work at greater intensities and for longer durations. The exploitation of these ideas is only in its infancy. Another item deals with the Association‘s work on domestic heating by open coal fires, which normally radiate not more than 25 per cent of the heat of combustion. Work in past years has shown the possibility of increasing this by one or other method—especially by supplementing radiation with heat convection. To-day the consumers' progress towards fuel economy is limited by lack of availability of efficient appliances. Sometimes these are too costly or even only to be obtained in a new house. The article describes a new inset fire which can be fitted into an existing grate at a moderate cost. It is designed by Mr. J. S. Hales and Mr. T. W. Grieve and claimed to be capable of high thermal efficiencies. When burning normal house coal, the total output of heat—by radiation and convection combined—reached 37 per cent ; with coke, the figure reached 48 per cent of the heat of combustion. In addition, by reducing the flow of heat up the chimney to one change per hour, draughts are minimized and comfort improved.

COAL UTILISATION RESEARCH IN GREAT BRITAIN

ON December 12, Mr. R. W. Foot gave the presidential address to the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, his last before the vesting date of the nationalization of the coal industry in Great Britain. This Association worked for eight years under the control of the Mining Association, which had contributed for maintenance during this period more than eight million pounds. The Mining Association had envisaged the development of a permanent institution, more particularly since the possibility of nationalization of the coal industry was recognized. In that event it was hoped that the National Coal Board would agree to take over the activities of the Association. In anticipation, and in order to prevent the slackening which might arise during a period of uncertainty as to the future, the Mining Association continued its financial support without reservation until the vesting day, January 1, 1947. The National Board has accepted the principle mentioned, and on that day stepped into the shoes of the Mining Association so far as the British Coal Utilisation Research Association is concerned, and was able to find the organisation in a state of full activity.

The analysis of external deposits from boilers. part III. Methods in use at British coal utilisation research association for the analysis of the water‐soluble fraction of external boiler deposits

AbstractMethods in use at. B.C.U.R.A. for the analysis of the water‐soluble fraction of boiler deposits arc described. A method is given for the extraction of the water‐soluble fraction of an external boiler deposit. The scheme of analysis outlined separates the solution of the water‐soluble fraction into three parts for determinations of (1) acidity, (2) sulphate and alkalis and (3) silica, mixed oxides, lime and magnesia, methods for which are described.

The analysis of external deposits from boilers. part II. Method in use at british coal utilisation research association for the analysis of external boiler deposits rich in phosphates

AbstractThe methods in use at B.C.U.R.A. for the analysis of external boiler deposits rich in phosphates are described. A special procedure is recommended where the phosphate concentration (as P2O2) exceeds 6%, sulphates also being present. It is recommended that a known excess of ferric sulphate be added for the removal of phosphate to the solution prepared for the precipitation of mixed oxides. Methods for the determination of phosphate, sulphate and alkalis are also included.

Proceedings of a Conference on Problems in the Utilisation of Small Coals

IT is inevitable that incombustible matter accompanies coal arriving at the pithead and in varying degrees of association, depending on the quality of the seam. From this point follows a series of cleaning processes—dry and wet—which in general aim at the removal of dirt and fine coal. Water is usually necessary, and as a consequence the colliery must dispose of the unwanted residue of the cleaning process which contains an undesirable proportion of water. This residue, commonly known as 'slurry', consists of coal which contains too much incombustible matter, too much water and at the same time is too fine in size to have commercial value. This combination of physical conditions imposes such difficulties that remedial measures to convert 'slurry' into salable fuel are in normal times unremunerative; but this is only a relative term, for the quantity of this waste of potential value is enormous—many millions of tons—which in times of scarcity is actually used. It may be that the days when this fuel can be so lightly discarded as hitherto have already passed for ever. It must be recognized that the mining industry has in the past given much attention to the problem, as will be evident from the present report on the conference on the utilization of small coals, at which twenty-eight papers were presented. These give a measure of work done, while a visit to the surface workings of a colliery will reveal the scope of the task of disposing of the wet, dirty fine coal which is produced. There is another if somewhat different problem in the disposal of fine coke. Proceedings of a Conference on Problems in the Utilisation of Small Coals Held at the Institution of Civil Engineers, November 10th and 11th, 1943. Pp. 294. (London: British Coal Utilisation Research Association, 1944.)

Determination of Particle Size in Sub-Sieve Range

THE measurement of fine particles is a subject of increasing importance in many industrial processes and in the study of natural phenomena concerning soils and dusts. It is now realized that the influence of very fine particles is so predominant that in many researches measurements would be desirable to a lower limit of one micron in diameter, though it is not often that this degree of accuracy can be attained. The above report contains an account of the activities of two research associations having the object of improving particle size measurements, and they may be complimented on the broad way in which the problem has been treated. Determination of Particle Size in Sub-Sieve Range A Report of Discussions. Pp. 69. (London: British Colliery Owners' Research Association and the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, 1944.)

British Coal Utilization Research Association

British Coal Utilization Research Association

Collaboration in Fuel Research

THE Standing Consultative Conference on Fuel Research, which has been constituted by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to promote collaboration among the various research associations or equivalent organizations engaged on fuel research, and between them and the Departments Fuel Research Organisation, had a preliminary meeting on October 21 at which representatives of the Ministry of Fuel and Power, the British Coal Utilisation Research Association, the British Electrical and Allied Industries Research Association, the British Refractories Research Association, the Gas Research Board, British Iron and Steel Federation (Industrial Research Council), and British Hard Coke Research Association were present. In his opening remarks Sir Edward Appleton, who presided, briefly described the objects which the Department had in view in setting up the Conference, and emphasized that membership is voluntary and at the invitation of the Department. The Conference is intended to provide a convenient means whereby the research organizations may keep in close touch with each other, and assist each other by interchange of information and by friendly discussion. Members of the Conference described briefly the aims and scope of their organizations and then discussed arrangements for the setting up of a central body to undertake the preparation and publication of abstracts of current literature relating to fuel and the maintenance of a register of translations. It was decided that the next meeting should be held early in January 1944, when the fuel research programmes of the member organizations would be considered by the Conference.

Coke and Coal Research

THE investigations of Prof. H. L. Riley at King's College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and also those of Dr. R. A. Mott at the University of Sheffield, are concerned with problems affecting the hard coke industry, which enjoys facilities for large-scale experimentation through its member firms such as can only be available to industrial bodies of this kind. The research committee of the body organizing this work visited the Kingston and Fulham Laboratories of the British Coal Utilisation Research Association on September 9. Mr. J. G. Bennett, director of B.C.U.B.A., gave a short address, outlining the organization of his Association and the scope of the work it has in hand. Three main divisions can be distinguished, namely, the administrative, the general research division, and the specialized research departments, the latter subdivided into four or five sections. Within several of the specialized sections there are investigations in progress which will undoubtedly affect coke-oven practice and the quality of the coke that can be produced from a given coal or blend. In particular may be mentioned the 'heat-of-wetting' test developed in the Association's physico-chemical laboratory under Dr. D. H. Bangham. This, and other fundamental work on the structure of coal and coke, was discussed at the recent Conference on the Ultra-Fine Structure of Coals and Cokes held at the Royal Institution. The visitors spent most of their time at Kingston, where they inspected work on the production of high temperatures from solid fuel and other interesting aspects before proceeding to the main building recently opened by Sir Edward Appleton.

Utilization of Small Coals

THE British Coal Utilisation Research Association is arranging a conference on November 10 and 11 to discuss the problems related to the utilization of small coals with particular reference to the results obtained by the users of these fuels. It is known that a great body of valuable experience on the subject exists, and it is hoped, by means of the Conference, to make this experience available to those concerned, and by discussion to direct attention to the most practical and effective methods of utilization. The Conference has the full support and approval of the Fuel Efficiency Committee. There will be three sessions: November 10, at 2.30, on utilization of small coals and slurries ; November 11, at 10, on utilization of fuels of high inert content ; November 11, at 2.30, on the upgrading of fuels. Offers of papers for discussion at the Conference should be sent to the Conference Secretary, B.C.U.R.A., Rickett Street, West Brompton, London, S.W.6. The Conference will be open without charge to all interested, by tickets obtainable from the Conference Secretary. Papers will be circulated in advance and the proceedings confined to a discussion of the papers.

Industrial Research in Great Britain

SIR EDWABD APPLETON, secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, in opening the new physico-chemical laboratories of the British Coal Utilization Research Association at Coombe Springs on June 23, congratulated the Association both on its new facilities in laboratory space and on the financial provision now available for large-scale work. The steps the Association has taken are among the first notable signs of a great forward movement in industrial research in Great Britain, Sir Edward said, which he confidently expects will be one of the features of post-war Britain. The Coal Utilization Research Association is serving the coal industry as a whole, and he particularly welcomed the expression of the interest of the miners themselves shown in the recent appointment of two members of the Mine-workers' Federation to the council of the Association. It is, he said, fashionable nowadays to decry British industrial research effort, because it is claimed that the amount of money spent on research per head of population is less than that in certain other countries. Much depends, of course, on what basis such a calculation is founded ; whether or not, for example, development costs are included under the heading of research. Moreover, there can be unwise expenditure, as well as wise expenditure, even on research. But it can certainly be stated that British effort on research is not commensurate with our industrial needs. To talk merely of spending more money, however, was not enough. It was necessary to plan our attack on both new and old problems and, most important of all, to attract some of our best scientific brains in the country to solve them.

Tests on Transport Producer-Gas Units

The experimental plant installed by the British Coal Utilisation Research Association for testing gas-producers, filters, and engines is described in detail. The results of tests on the engine bench show that a petrol engine converted to use producer gas will only develop about one-half of the normal brake horse-power; moreover, the peak power with gas occurs at a lower speed than with petrol, due to the decrease in volumetric efficiency at high speeds. The effect of increasing the compression ratio was not investigated by the author, but tests by other workers have shown that the gain in power obtained by this means is proportional to the increase in the air standard efficiency. Producer gas-driven engines are very sensitive to mixture strength, and maximum power is obtained with mixtures of gas and air in the proportions theoretically required for the combustion of the gas. Maximum efficiency is obtained with a mixture containing 10 per cent of excess air. Engine tests have also been made to investigate the effect of gas calorific value, of the pressure drop through the producer system, and of petrol addition. Special tests were made to determine the flexibility characteristics of the engine and producer, and the effect of running with various throttle openings, as in actual road operation. Fuel consumption under the latter conditions is about 35 per cent greater than that determined under full-throttle and constant-speed conditions.

Research on Coal Utilization

SIR EVAN WILLIAMS announced, in his presidential address to the British Coal Utilization Research Association on December 17, that a scheme utilizing £1,000,000 in five years for research on coal has been prepared. He said that this is by far the largest co-operative research scheme ever undertaken in Great Britain for the development of an industrial asset. The scheme has been approved by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which has undertaken to contribute £50,000 a year to the cost, and £250,000 over the five years. The Mining Associa tion will contribute £80,000 a year and £400,000 altogether, and the balance of £70,000 a year will he provided by associations of manufacturers who make plant and equipment for using coal.

International Conference on Flames and Furnaces

AN International Conference on Flames and Furnaces will be held during September 17–20, 1940, at the Royal Institution in London on the initiative of the Institute of Fuel and the British Coal Utilisation Research Association. One purpose of the Conference is to bring the new developments of chemical kinetics and spectroscopy to the notice of engineers and industrialists with the view of accelerating their practical application. The technical programme of the International Conference in 1940 has been prepared by a Committee of thirty engineers and scientific workers. Flames in the internal combustion engine and explosive flames generally are excluded from the scope of the Conference, which will be concerned with the free combustion of gases, liquids and solids in air. The Editorial Committee proposes to invite the authors of papers to collaborate in covering the whole ground of flame and furnace research with the minimum of overlap. Selected authors throughout the world will be asked to contribute papers on specified problems, and early in 1940 the Editorial Committee will co-ordinate the various papers with the help of selected experts in each field acting as chairmen and reporters of the various technical sessions. It is hoped to secure a large attendance of foreign engineers and scientific workers for a conference which should have great practical industrial significance.

Utilization of Coal

THE British Coal Utilization Research Association held its first annual meeting in London on June 28, when Sir Evan Williams, the president, gave an account of its first year's work, which has been largely concerned with the erection and organization of its research station in Fulham. It has been a subject of reproach that the coal industry has been largely indifferent to promoting efficiency in the utilization of coal. They now foresee, the president said, that the future will call for fuels of accurately controlled characteristics; the development of these is being investigated. The programme of research includes work on pulverized fuel firing which, it is believed, will play an increasingly important part in industry, and also on combustion in the fuel bed. The study of producer gas is to receive greater attention in view of its present importance in heavy industry and its potential application to mechanical transport. Great store is laid by the coal industry on the open coal fire, and efforts are being mado to minimize its admitted defects—smoke and labour. It is recognized that coal-burning appliances have suffered in comparison with gas and electrical appliances owing to the neglect of scientific principles in design, and it is hoped to raise the standards of performance and eliminate inferior and ineffective appliances. Efforts are being made to advance the use of coal for cooking. A solid fuel cooker has been designed for use on railways. Some of these have been installed on trains, including the Coronation Scot. It is believed that gravity feed firing will play a considerable influence on hotel and institution cookery in the future.

Research on Coal Utilization

THE British Coal Utilisation Research Association has decided to establish an experimental station in London. Premises have been secured at West Brompton, and are now being equipped. Dr. D. H. Bangham, lately professor of chemistry and dean of the Faculty of Science, Egyptian University, Cairo, who has made important contributions to the physical chemistry of charcoal, cellulose and other carbonaceous materials, has been appointed the senior member of the scientific staff, and will take charge of a group of programmes connected with the use of coal. Mr. J. S. Hales, who will take charge of the Domestic Appliances Department, has worked at the Fuel Research Station on the measurement of smoke and the operation of coke fires, and has since served on the research staff of a manufacturer of domestic solid fuel burning appliances. Mr. R. T. Hancock, formerly associate editor and contributor to “Kemp's Engineers Handbook”, has been appointed head of the Intelligence Department and editor of the Association's monthly bulletin.