Effect of Coal Type and Residence Time on the Submicron Aerosol Distribution from Pulverized Coal Combustion

Abstract

Three types of pulverized coal were burned in a laboratory furnace under various combustion configurations. Pulverized samples of Utah bituminous, Beulah (North Dakota) lignite, and Texas lignite coals were burned at a rate of 2.5 kg/hr in a laboratory furnace. Aerosol size distributions were measured at various positions within the convection section, and temperature and gas compositions were measured throughout. The evolution of the submicron particle size distribution within the convection section for the three coals was similar, although the location of the initial particle mode at the convection section inlet varied with coal type. While staged combustion of Utah bituminous coal had a variable effect on the volume of submicron aerosol produced, staged combustion of the lignites caused a definite increase in the submicron aerosol volume. Vapor enhancement due to a localized reducing atmosphere, which would effect coals of higher ash volatility, is thought to explain this behavior.