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Published on: June 12, 2019
[Coal fineness effect on primary particulate matter features during pulverized coal combustion]
1School of Environmental Science and Technology, North China Electrical Power University, Baoding 071003, China. lujianyi@tsinghua.org.cn
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
|November 10, 2007
Summary
Finer coal produces finer particulate matter (PM), increasing PM emissions. Fine coal combustion releases more poisonous trace elements, negatively impacting the environment more than coarse coal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Combustion Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
Context:
- Pulverized coal combustion is a major source of industrial particulate matter (PM).
- Understanding the influence of coal fineness on PM characteristics is crucial for emission control.
- Laboratory-scale drop tube furnace experiments provide controlled conditions for studying combustion processes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of coal fineness on the features of primary particulate matter generated during pulverized coal combustion.
- To quantify the differences in PM size distribution, mass, and trace element composition based on coal particle size.
- To assess the environmental implications of burning coals of varying fineness.
Summary:
- Combustion tests using three coal fineness levels revealed that finer coal resulted in finer PM.
- PM emission amounts increased with decreasing coal fineness, with significant rises in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations.
- While bulk ash composition remained similar, PM appearance varied, and trace element volatility (Pb > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni) was higher in PM from fine coal.
Impact:
- Fine coal combustion leads to increased emissions of fine particulate matter and higher concentrations of hazardous trace elements.
- This suggests a greater negative environmental impact from burning finer coal compared to coarser coal.
- Findings are critical for developing targeted strategies to mitigate air pollution from coal-fired power plants.
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