JOULE JOR3-CT95-0079 Conversion of biomass: prediction and solution methods for ash agglomeration and related problems

Contacts




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JOULE/THERMIE Programme : Solid Biofuels : Thermochemical Conversion

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	JOR3-CT95-0079
	EC Contribution	508,100 ECU
	Start Date	01/03/1995
	Duration	30 Months

Conversion of biomass: prediction and solution methods for ash agglomeration and related problems

Objectives

The perspectives of biomass as a source for energy generation are well recognised in Europe. Various biomass streams have been used in gasification and combustion installations. Some of these streams caused operational problems due to ash agglomeration and sintering phenomena or deposition. This makes efficient application of these fuels more difficult or even prohibits their use. The ash related problems involved depend on the fuel (-ash) composition as well as the chosen technology. The main objective of this project is to develop a methodology to predict ash agglomeration and sintering, to indicate related problems and to identify how to make different types of biomass streams more viable for energy production.

Technical Approach

Both experimental work and theoretical modelling will be carried out. Materials used in the project will be extracted from full-scale installations and produced from selected biomass fuels under controlled conditions with lab-scale and bench-scale installations. Producing materials with lab-scale set-ups will be performed with a tube furnace, a drop-tube oven and a small fluidised bed set-up. In this way, information will be obtained on the relation between process conditions and agglomeration phenomena. Biomass material will be subjected to a set of analysis procedures (ultimate and proximate analysis, metal content and ash content) in order to investigate the relationship between chemical composition and ash agglomeration behaviour. Apart from ash obtained under process conditions, the fuels will be ashed at low temperature. Subsequently, low temperature ash will be subjected (after pelletisation) to compression strength measurements, sieving in fractions and high temperature microscopy. These techniques will give information on the actual ash behaviour, which will be used to develop a model with which ash agglomeration and sintering behaviour can be predicted. The outcome of the model will be verified with bench-scale experiments and also compared with the materials extracted from full-scale installation.

Expected Results

The deliverables from the project are a methodology to address the problems encountered with agglomeration and to indicate solutions. The results obtained within the project will be disseminated through publication in the open literature and by presentation at international conferences. With a total methodology for the analysis and description of the agglomeration behaviour of fuels and with possible solutions, it is expected that the range of fuels applicable in either combustion or gasification installations will be widened.

Contacts

Coordinator

• C.A.M. VAN DER KLEIN / Netherlands Energy Research Foundation NETHERLANDS

Participant

• Tove Linding LAURIDSEN / Aalborg Industries A/S Research and Development / DENMARK
• Riso National Laboratory Combustion Department / DENMARK