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The scope and major findings of a research programme which has aimed to improve the scientific understanding of a wide range of aspects concerning coal utilisation in utility boilers is described in this book. The pragmatic investigations undertaken by Shell Research are set against the background of recent work of other researchers and establishes usable links between the quality and performance of a variety of coal types. The first section deals with analytical inspection properties of the coals and the structure of both the organic macerals and the associated minerals. Nitrogen and sulphur containing components are considered, together with the relationship between petrography and mineral matter. The second section addresses the influence of organic structure pulverised fuel preparation and combustion. The effect of coal quality on rapid pyrolysis of coal particles in a flame and subsequent char combustion is described and empirical models for the prediction of flame stability and char burn-out are presented. The final section deals with ash formation and deposition on boiler walls and tubes, together with the control of pollutant emissions.
The objective of the book is to present scientific information on coal utilisation in a form which is accessible not only to researchers but also to those engaged in the day-to-day business of the coal trade.