Influence of Coal Blending Methods on Unburned Carbon and NO Emissions in a Drop-Tube Furnace

The influence of coal-blending methods, such as out-furnace and in-furnace methods, on unburned carbon and NO emissions of blending coal combustion in a drop-tube furnace (DTF) has been analyzed using experimental and numerical approaches for binary coals (sub-bituminous and bituminous coals) used by Korean power plants. In the out-furnace method, as the blending ratio of sub-bituminous coal based on bituminous coal (SBR) increases up to 50%, the unburned carbon fraction gradually decreases. The worst condition is found at a SBR of 75%, which is caused by the occurrence of highly oxygen-deficient conditions in the furnace. Furthermore, the emission index of NO (EINO) is proportional to the SBR. In addition, the in-furnace blending method is applied using a modified DTF to improve the efficiency of unburned carbon fractions and the involvement of NO emissions. The results show that unburned carbon fractions as well as the EINO decrease over time because of improvements in oxygen deficiency and NO reduction mechanisms. The numerical modeling strongly supports these phenomena and provides insights into the mechanisms that affect the blending methods during the combustion of coal blends.