Improved fuel efficiency with a direct-fired system

The successful experience with the installation of a TAS Systems micronizing coal mill at Ideal´s Tijeras, New Mexico plant and Devil´s Slide, Utah plant is described. The TAS system was developed on the understanding that micronized coal is more reactive than pulverized coal in combustion. Coal micronized to a -325 mesh fineness would have almost three times more surface area than coal pulverized to a -200 mesh fineness. The benefits of the finer ground coal are: more rapid combustion; increased heat liberation; more uniform particle-to-air/oxygen contact; and increased heat flux distribution. Ideal´s program, aimed at fuel conservation and improved refractory life, is discussed