One-Dimensional Model for Pulverized Coal Combustion and Gasification

Abstract

A one-dimensional model has been developed for pulverized coal combustors and gasifiers. The model describes the response of a coal particle system to its thermal, chemical and physical environment. Moisture vaporization, coal devolatilization, heterogeneous char oxidation, gas particle interchange, radiation, gas phase oxidation, primary and secondary stream mixing, and heat losses are considered. A predictor-corrector solution technique was used to solve the ordinary non-linear differential equations. Several combustor and gasifier predictions are shown. The model predictions are compared with experimental data. The effects of particle size and distribution are shown to be particularly important. Significant rate controlling processes include initial particle heat-up and char surface reaction.