Sodium and oxygen in Nigerian coals: Possible effects on ash fouling

Abstract

Ash fouling during heat transfers in coal power‐plants has been known to be an engineering problem caused by high sodium levels of the feed‐coals. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) was used in determining the concentration of some alkali elements (Na, Ca, Mg) associated with ash fouling for eight Nigerian coals mined at Onyeama, Ogbete, Enugu, Gombe, Okaba, Afikpo, Lafia and Asaba. Sodium levels were generally low (0.001 ‐ 0.036%). Oxygen concentrations considered as an indicative measure of the wettability for each of the coals were determined. The possible effects of the concentration of these elements on ash fouling were discussed.

Key words:

• Sodium
• Oxygen
• Nigerian Coals
• Fouling effects