U.S. patent application number 14/025325 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for process for operating a coal-fired furnace with reduced slag formation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Environmental Energy Services, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Environmental Energy Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark R. Pastore.
Application Number | 20140014010 14/025325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40849575 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140014010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pastore; Mark R. |
January 16, 2014 |
PROCESS FOR OPERATING A COAL-FIRED FURNACE WITH REDUCED SLAG
FORMATION
Abstract
There is provided a process for operating a coal-fired furnace
to generate heat. The process has the steps of a) providing the
coal to the furnace and b) combusting the coal in the presence of a
first slag-reducing ingredient and a second slag-reducing
ingredient in amounts effective to reduce slag formation in the
furnace. The first slag-reducing ingredient and the second
slag-reducing ingredient are different substances. The first
slag-reducing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of
magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide,
magnesium sulfate, and combinations thereof. The second
slag-reducing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of
copper acetate, copper nitrate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum oxide,
aluminum hydroxide, and ammonium phosphate. There is also provided
a method for reducing slag formation in a coal-fired furnace.
Inventors: |
Pastore; Mark R.; (Suffern,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Environmental Energy Services, Inc. |
Sandy Hook |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Environmental Energy Services,
Inc.
Sandy Hook
CT
|
Family ID: |
40849575 |
Appl. No.: |
14/025325 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12319994 |
Jan 14, 2009 |
|
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|
14025325 |
|
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61011148 |
Jan 15, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
110/343 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10L 2290/141 20130101;
C10L 10/04 20130101; F23B 2700/023 20130101; F23J 7/00 20130101;
C10L 2200/0213 20130101; C10L 2200/0268 20130101; C10L 2200/0209
20130101; C10L 2200/029 20130101; C10L 9/10 20130101; F23D 1/00
20130101; F23K 2201/505 20130101; C10L 2200/0218 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
110/343 |
International
Class: |
F23J 7/00 20060101
F23J007/00 |
Claims
1. A process for operating a coal-fired furnace to generate heat,
comprising: a) providing the coal to the furnace; and b) combusting
the coal in the presence of a first slag-reducing ingredient and a
second slag-reducing ingredient in amounts effective to reduce slag
formation in the furnace, wherein the first slag-reducing
ingredient is selected from the group consisting of magnesium
carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide,
and combinations thereof, and wherein the second slag-reducing
ingredient is selected from the group consisting of copper acetate,
copper nitrate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum oxide, aluminum
hydroxide, ammonium phosphate, and combinations thereof.
2. The process of claim 1, wherein the first slag-reducing
ingredient is magnesium hydroxide.
3. The process of claim 1, wherein the second slag-reducing
ingredient is selected from the group consisting of copper acetate,
copper nitrate, and a combination thereof.
4. The process of claim 1, wherein the first and second
slag-reducing ingredients are added to the coal at up to about 2000
ppm by weight based upon the weight of the coal as received.
5. The process of claim 1, wherein the first and second
slag-reducing ingredients are present at about 100 to about 1000
ppm by weight based upon the weight of the coal as received.
6. The process of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the first
slag-reducing ingredient to the second slag-reducing ingredient
ranges from about 95:5 to about 60:40.
7. The process of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the first
slag-reducing ingredient to the second slag-reducing ingredient
ranges from about 90:10 to about 80:20.
8. The process of claim 1, wherein rate of formation of slag is
reduced by a factor of about 10 to about 100 compared to the
presence of the first slag-reducing ingredient alone.
9. A method for reducing slag formation in a coal-fired furnace,
comprising combusting coal in the furnace in the presence of a
first slag-reducing ingredient and a second slag-reducing
ingredient in amounts effective to reduce slag formation in the
furnace, wherein the first slag-reducing ingredient is selected
from the group consisting of magnesium carbonate, magnesium
hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, and combinations
thereof, and wherein the second slag-reducing ingredient is
selected from the group consisting of copper acetate, copper
nitrate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide,
ammonium phosphate, and combinations thereof.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first slag-reducing
ingredient is magnesium hydroxide.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the second slag-reducing
ingredient is selected from the group consisting of copper acetate,
copper nitrate, and a combination thereof.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the second slag-reducing
ingredient is present at up to about 2000 ppm by weight based upon
the weight of the coal as received.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the second slag-reducing
ingredient is present at from about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm by
weight based upon the weight of the coal as received.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the ratio of the first
slag-reducing ingredient to the second slag-reducing ingredient
ranges from about 95:5 to about 60:40.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the ratio of the first
slag-reducing ingredient to the second slag-reducing ingredient
ranges from about 90:10 to about 80:20.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein rate of formation of slag is
reduced by a factor of about 10 to about 100 compared to the
presence of the first slag-reducing ingredient alone.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
12/319,994, filed Jan. 14, 2009, which claims priority based on
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/011,148, filed Jan. 15,
2008, and 61/021,249, filed Jan. 15, 2008, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a process for operating a
coal-fired furnace. The present invention also relates to a process
for operating a coal-fired furnace with reduced slag formation. The
present invention further relates to a method for reducing slag
formation in a coal-fired furnace.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Slag builds up on the surfaces and/or walls of furnaces and
boilers due to deposition of molten and/or semi-molten ash, which
can in turn solidify. Particles of ash are normally molten when
they exit the flame zone or radiant section of a boiler or furnace
(the terms "furnace" and "boiler" are used interchangeably herein).
If the melting point of the ash or the rate of solidification is
too low, the particles will not have sufficient time to solidify
before impinging on or contacting a surface within the boiler or
furnace. When this occurs, the molten or plastic-like ash adheres
to and solidifies on the surface, which gives rise to a slag
deposit. Fouling can also occur in lower temperature convective
sections of the boiler or furnace when volatile components in the
ash, such as the alkali oxides, condense and collect further ash,
which can sinter into a hard mass.
[0006] Typically, the composition and physical properties of ash
found in prospective coal feedstocks are considered when designing
the size and thermal dynamics of a boiler or furnace. Slag
formation can be a particular problem when a coal feedstock is used
in a boiler or furnace for which the boiler or furnace was not
designed. The size and thermal dynamics of the boiler relative to
the composition and physical properties of the ash in the coal
feedstock will determine whether the ash is solid or molten by the
time it reaches a surface. Desirably, the boiler or furnace is
designed such that ash solidifies prior to reaching surfaces within
the boiler or furnace. Such solidified ash can be removed
relatively easily by means known in the art, such as by physical
removal or blowing.
[0007] Slag formation occurs to some extent in all boiler and
furnace systems. Boilers are often designed for some slag buildup
on surfaces and walls to provide an additional measure of thermal
insulation, and, thus, minimize heat loss through the walls.
Excessive slag buildup, however, tends to clog the boiler or
furnace and/or result in excessive temperatures therein.
[0008] Slag formation can have a major impact on boiler operation.
Significant accumulation of slag can result in partial blockage of
the gas flow, possibly requiring reduction in boiler load. Slag may
build up to an extent that damage to tubing may result when
attempting to dislodge heavy accumulations. Insulation of waterwall
tubes may lead to a thermal imbalance within the boiler, heat
transfer efficiency reductions, and excessively high temperatures
in the superheat section.
[0009] Boilers are generally designed around a specified range of
coal properties, depending on the expected source of fuel. Many
consumers are forced to switch their normal supplies because of
increased demand for coal. Additionally, more stringent regulations
regarding emissions may make a change in fuel more desirable than
adding control systems. Alternate coal supplies may be completely
different from design fuel with regard to ash fusion temperature,
ash composition, etc. Substitution of a coal with ash
characteristics significantly different from those for which a
boiler was designed can give rise to problems such as slagging.
[0010] Many factors are considered in designing a boiler capable of
handling the ash characteristics of a particular coal. Design
considerations are very important in determining whether deposits
will form when a particular fuel is burned. Design considerations
are geared to optimize the combustion process and reduce deposits
to a minimum thus maximizing the efficiency of extraction of energy
from the fuel. Careful control of the relative quantities absorbed
through the various boiler sections is necessary.
[0011] A method commonly used in the art to reduce slag formation
during on-line operations is soot blowing. However, soot blowing
usually only partially alleviates the problem of slag
formation.
[0012] Another method of reducing slag formation while on-line is
to reduce boiler or furnace load. During reduction of boiler load,
temperatures are reduced and molten ash solidifies faster, i.e.,
prior to reaching boiler/furnace walls. Also, the temperature
reduction can cause a difference in contraction rates between metal
in the tubes and the slag and cause slag to be separated from tube
surfaces. Notwithstanding the foregoing, reduction of boiler load
is economically undesirable due to lost capacity.
[0013] Another method used in the art to reduce slag formation
while on-line is the use of attemperating spray, which reduces
steam temperatures. As tubes begin to encounter slag formation,
excessively high steam temperatures in the superheat and/or reheat
sections of the boiler or furnace may necessitate the use of an
attemperating spray. If slagging continues to increase, the amount
of spray must be increased. Since the level of attemperating spray
usage is proportional to the degree of slag formation, it can serve
as a useful measure of the severity of the slag formation. When
maximum spray is reached and steam temperatures are still too high,
thermal balance can be restored by reducing load and shedding or
removing slag.
[0014] It would be desirable to have a process for operating a
coal-fired furnace exhibiting reduced slag formation. It would also
be desirable to have a method for reducing slag formation in a
coal-fired furnace.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a
process for operating a coal-fired furnace to generate heat. The
process has the steps of a) providing the coal to the furnace and
b) combusting the coal in the presence of a first slag-reducing
ingredient and a second slag-reducing ingredient in amounts
effective to reduce slag formation in the furnace. The first
slag-reducing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of
magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide,
magnesium sulfate, and combinations thereof. The second
slag-reducing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of
copper acetate, copper nitrate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum oxide,
aluminum hydroxide, ammonium phosphate, and combinations
thereof.
[0016] Further according to the present invention, there is
provided a method for reducing slag formation in a coal-fired
furnace. The method has the step of combusting coal in the furnace
in the presence of a first slag-reducing ingredient and a second
slag-reducing ingredient in amounts effective to reduce slag
formation in the furnace. The first slag-reducing ingredient is
selected from the group consisting of magnesium carbonate,
magnesium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, and
combinations thereof. The second slag-reducing ingredient is
selected from the group consisting of copper acetate, copper
nitrate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide,
ammonium phosphate, and combinations thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention affords reduced slagging in the
operation of coal-fired furnaces.
[0018] The first slag-reducing ingredient functions to reduce slag
formation relative to combustion without such first slag-reducing
ingredient. The first slag-reducing ingredient is selected from
among magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate,
magnesium oxide, and combinations thereof. A preferred first
slag-reducing ingredient is magnesium hydroxide. The first
slag-reducing ingredient may also function as a combustion catalyst
to improve the oxidation of the coal.
[0019] The second slag-reducing ingredient acts synergistically
with the first slag-reducing ingredient to significantly reduce
slag formation relative to combustion with the first slag-reducing
ingredient alone. The rate of formation of slag with the second
slag-reducing ingredient is preferably reduced by a factor of about
10 to about 100 compared to the presence of the first slag-reducing
ingredient alone.
[0020] The second slag-reducing ingredient is selected from among
copper acetate, copper nitrate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum oxide,
aluminum hydroxide, and ammonium phosphate. Preferred ingredients
are copper acetate, copper nitrate, and a combination thereof.
[0021] The first and second slag-reducing ingredients are added to
the coal in amounts preferably up to about 2000 ppm based upon the
weight of ash in the coal, which is typically about 2 wt % to about
3 wt % of the total weight of the coal. The composition and
proportion of ash in the coal will vary from coal sample to coal
sample. The indicated upper limit is preferred due to economic
considerations, but higher amounts are operable and possible. A
more preferred range is about 100 ppm to about 1000 ppm based upon
the weight of the coal as received. A most preferred range is about
500 ppm to about 750 ppm based upon the weight of the coal as
received. The ratio of the first slag-reducing ingredient to the
second slag-reducing ingredient preferably ranges from about 95:5
to about 60:40 and more preferably about 90:10 to about 80:20.
[0022] The first and second ingredients may be added directly into
the furnace or boiler in powder or liquid forms or added to the
coal as received prior to conveyance of the coal to the furnace or
boiler. Suitable liquid forms include solutions and slurries. A
preferred solvent or vehicle is water. A liquid is preferably
sprayed onto the coal prior to bunkering or in the gravimetric
feeders prior to pulverization or prior to the cyclone.
[0023] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives
and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present
invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *