Controlled Oxidation Studies of Coal/Refuse Fuel Blends
A study of the controlled combustion of blends of biomass materials and coals was conducted. Crushed limestone was added to the blends as an absorbent for sulfur oxides. The samples were combusted in quartz-fiber crucibles in a forced air furnace. Combustion at different times and temperatures were studied. The amount of carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur in the residues, as well as the amount of ash formed, were used as measures of combustion efficiency. The optimum temperature for combustion of most blends was found to be in the 700 - 800°C range. A study of methods for determining the amounts of inorganic and organic carbon in combustion residues was performed. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method D 1756 for inorganic carbon yielded accurate results but is tedious and requires a great deal of skill. An alternative method for determining inorganic carbon in combustion residues was developed.
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