Keywords

Combustion, Ash, Heat transfer in porous media

Abstract

Boiler ash deposits generated during combustion of coal, biomass, black liquor, and energetic materials affect both the net plant efficiency and operating strategy of essentially all boilers. Such deposits decrease convective and radiative heat exchange with boiler heat transfer surfaces. In many cases, even a small amount of ash on a surface decreases local heat transfer rates by factors of three or more. Apart from their impact on heat transfer, ash deposits in boilers represent potential operational problems and boiler maintenance issues, including plugging, tube wastage (erosion and corrosion), and structural damage. This report relates the chemistry and microstructural properties of ash deposits to their physical and transport properties. Deposit emissivity, thermal conductivity, tenacity, and strength relate quantitatively to deposit microstructure and chemistry. This paper presents data and algorithms illustrating the accuracy and limitations of such relationships.

Original Publication Citation

Larry L. Baxter, Influence of ash deposit chemistry and structure on physical and transport properties, Fuel Processing Technology, Volume 56, Issues 1–2, 1998, Pages 81-88, ISSN 0378-3820, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-3820(97)00086-6.