New research reports published

Two IFRF Research Reports have been published today.  They are IFRF Doc no. F111/y/01 Coal-biomass blends combustion characterization in a 500 kWt furnace by G. Bonvicini, L. Biasci, G. Coraggio, M. Faleni and M. Landi and IFRF Doc no. G 26/y/01 Coal characterization in oxy-firing conditions using the Isothermal Plug Flow Reactor. Part 1 – Methodology by G. Bonvicini, G. Coraggio and M. Faleni.

Coal-biomass blends combustion characterization in a 500 kWt furnace is based on the results of an experimental campaign that took place during the first months of 2012, under commissioning of ENEL , in which different blends of a Venezuelan coal with a torrefied biomass were tested in the 500 kWt furnace available in the Enel experimental area in Livorno.  The report describes the effects of coal-biomass co-firing on heat transfer, fouling  and pollutant formation issues

Coal characterization in oxy-firing conditions using the Isothermal Plug Flow Reactor. Part 1 – Methodology is the first part of a comprehensive set of reports on coal characterization under oxy-fuel combustion, under the frame of RELCOM and describes the applied procedures and the main issues concerning the Isothermal Plug Flow Reactor (IPFR) operations, including the determination of the experimental error affecting the results.

Part 2 will include all the results of the analyses performed on the samples collected from the Isothermal Plug Flow Reactor (IPFR) and the conversion trends versus residence time for three different coals in all the tested conditions.  Part 3 will be dedicated to the analysis of the data produced by the IPFR for the determination of kinetic parameters for devolatilisation and char reactions under both conventional and oxy-fuel combustion, according to different models.  Parts 2 and 3 will be made available in the next months.

Solid Fuel Database enriched

Forty eight new records have been added to the IFRF’s online Solid Fuel Database.  The new material relates to the results of experimental campaigns performed on the IPFR and specifically concerns devolatilisation and char combustion tests performed on 11 coals and biomasses.

Whilst the tests were mainly performed in a conventional combustion environment, some records also describe devolatilisation and char combustion in an oxy-fuel environment.  

The Solid Fuel Database reflects a project to collect and organize all available IPFR data.  The information covers devolatilisation, char combustion and fuel nitrogen release data of more than 200 different solid fuels, both parent and char materials, with complementary information about fuels properties (ultimate, proximate analysis, ash composition, fusion temperatures, etc.), experiments conditions, rig descriptions and characterization procedures.

Access to the database is available through guest account (login: guest, password: guest) which enables a brief look at the database structure and content.  More comprehensive access is possible via an SFDB Member account, which can be obtained by contacting Tracey Biller.  Registered users will be able to view data such as kinetic parameters, and also have printing and export options.

Leo Tognotti would be delighted to hear from parties willing to participate in further SFDB development, or who own good pulverized fuel characterization data and wish to share it with the IFRF community.

Within a few weeks, as soon as the results of some very recent analyses are available, almost 50 new records will be added to the database, concerning the characterisation of three coals and four biomasses coming from the activities of RELCOM and BRISK.  Watch MNM for details.

Hydrogen combustion tests in GT burners

IFRF is currently using ENEL’s Optical Test Rig for Gas Turbines (TAO) for tests related to the project “Development of an ultra low NOx hydrogen fuelled burner”, in which it is a partner.  The objective of the project which is funded by Regione Veneto and ENEL Ingegneria & Innovazione, is to develop an innovative hydrogen burner limiting NOx emission below 100 mg/Nm3 with reduced inert injection in flame. 

The “in flame” temperature measurements tests currently underway on the burners designed by co-partner Nuovo Pignone of the GE group, involve the use of a micropyrometer expressly designed and manufactured for the purpose.  In further tests, IFRF will perform velocity field characterization of the prototype burners in the ENEL aerodynamic laboratory.  Experiments will be done in the wind tunnel with the use of laser doppler velocimetry, laser sheet velocimetry and pitot tubes.  IFRF is currently modifying the existing wind tunnel in order to carry out these specific tests.

Picture below: IFRF Visiting Investigator Sergio Macchiavello checks a measurement on TAO.