Quantification of the ignitability of pulverized coals and coal blends through advanced flame monitoring

This paper presents a new method for the quantification of the ignitability of pulverized coals and coal blends using an advanced flame monitoring system. Twenty-two different ranks of coals and coal blends were tested in a drop tube furnace. Characteristic parameters of the flame signal, including DC component, flicker frequency and combustion dynamic energy were determined from the flame monitoring system. A set of ignition index data for the coals tested were then determined. It is found that the overall ignition index is an effective indication of the ignitability of a coal. The results from this study are used to optimize the operation of a coal fired power plant in terms of fuel selection, fuel blending, and flame stability.