Coal-Burning Technologies Applicable to Air Force Central Heating Plants
Abstract
Coal-based technologies that have potential use for converting Air Force heating plants from oil- or gas-firing to coal-firing were examined. Included are descriptions, attributes, expected performance, and estimates of capital investment and operating and maintenance costs or each applicable technology. The degree of commercialization and risks associated with employing each technology are briefly discussed. A computer program containing costing algorithms or the technologies is described as an Appendix. From a cost standpoint, micronized coal firing seems to be the leading technology for refit of coal- or heavy-oil-designed boilers, when only modest SO(2) control is needed. Returning a stoker-designed boiler back to stoker firing may be attractive if emission regulations can be achieved. For stringent SO(2) regulations, fluidized-bed or slagging combustor options appear to be appropriate. For boiler replacement, stoker or pulverized coal firing are applicable when modest NO(x) control is required and SO(2) emissions can be met with low-sulfur coal. Fluidized-bed technologies are generally favored when SO(2) and NO(x) emission regulations are strict. A circulating fluidized-bed system is the most capital intensive of these technologies, but it can meet stringent environmental standards and utilize low-grade fuels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA216033
Entities
People
- J. F. Thomas
- J. M. Young
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory