OCR Text |
Show Because boiler deposits have been a long-term problem, and because full-scale tests on all coals are not possible, attempts have been made to predict the occurrence of the deposit problems. Thus, numerous empirical "slagging factors" and "fouling factors" have been developed for classifying coals. These factors are used for evaluating coals for new plants, when designing plants, and in selecting coals to fire in existing plants. Although the available slagging and fouling factors are widely quoted, it is not difficult to find persons who have applied these factors without success. As a result of their recognition that a completely satisfactory means of evaluating coals for their slagging and fouling tendencies does not exist, and of the need for improvements in this area, EPRI engaged Battelle to conduct a project to examine the slagging and fouling factors and their application to various power plants and coals. This paper reports progress to date on a portion of that project; it concentrates on the evaluation of existing slagging and fouling parameters for eastern coals. DATA COLLECTION With the cooperation of EPRI and EEI, Battelle surveyed utilities for data pertinent to evaluating and understanding the slagging and fouling problems. Data were solicited on the following: t Design boiler conditions • Present boiler operating conditions • Design coals § Presently fired coals § Boiler characteristics 0 Extent of slagging problems • Extent of fouling problems 0 Success of efforts to correct slagging and/or fouling problems. The 24-page questionnaire was completed for 131 unique power plants, 120 U.S. plants, and 11 C.E.G.B. plants. 1-3 |