This paper applies digital image techniques to observe the slagging characteristics of blended coals in a pilot-scale furnace. Collected deposit samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy linked with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) to acquire the microstructure, chemical composition, and mineralogy. The deposit thickness of three blends was analyzed between their parent coal A (Datong) and coal B (Shan), and we noted that the time to reach a stable stage decreased with the ratio of coal B. The addition of coal A into coal B could remarkably restrained the growth and thickness of ash deposits. The results of XRD analysis indicated the initial layer was predominantly comprised of the crystalline minerals quartz, anorthite, or albite except for coal B. All of the blends and coals contained quartz and Ca- to Al-silicates (Ca0.68Na0.32)(Al1.68Si0.32)Si2O8 in the slag layer where iron-bearing minerals (e.g., ilvaite) were altered into an amorphous phase. The result of SEM-EDX suggested that there was an elemental disparity between the coal ash and deposit.
