An Investigation of the Variation in Heat Absorption in a Pulverized-Coal-Fired Slag-Tap Steam Boiler at Blaine Island, Charleston, W. Va.

Abstract

This paper resulted from the sixth in a series of investigations of heat absorption in large steam-boiler furnaces, sponsored by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Special Research Committee on Furnace Performance Factors. The furnace heat absorption was determined from the furnace exit-gas composition and temperature in 18 tests on a steam generator rated at 250,000 lb of steam per hr at 675 psi and 670 F. The furnace was fired with pulverized coal, through opposed burners with reinjection of fly ash, over a refractory-insulated slagging bottom. Furnace heat absorption, at various loads and excess air values, was correlated with the adiabatic flame temperature and the residence time of combustion products in the furnace. The furnace performance was found to depend upon burner adjustments, but did not significantly depend upon recirculation of fly ash.