Pilot-Scale Apparatuses


  • Scrubber
  • Stoker Simulator
  • Coal Preparation Equipment

  • Scrubber

    Photo of Scrubber Facility

    Schematic of Scrubber

    The WFGD test facility is connected to a 400,000 Btu/hr down-fired combustor that is capable of firing natural gas and solid and liquid fuels. SO2 can be injected at various locations within the combustor to simulate flue gas having an elevated SO2 concentration. The combustor has several sampling ports from which particulate and gas samples can be taken. Diagnostics include:

  • Continous emissions monitoring of CO, CO2, O2, SO2 and NOx
  • Temperature profiles

    Down-Fired Combustor Specifications and Photograph


    Scrubber Features

    Design Scrubber Dimensions:10' high, 16" diameter
    Material of Construction:316 and 304 Stainless Steel
    Nozzle Type:BETE Spiral
    Scrubbing Capacity 4,500 scfh flue gas
    Gas Velocity 1.1 ft/s @ 400,000 Btu/hr
    Inlet Gas Temperature 250-280oF
    Outlet Gas Temperature 140oF
    Gas Liquid Contact Time 1-7 seconds
    Liquid/Gas Ratio 60-120
    Reaction Tank Conditions pH: 4.5-7.5
    Residence Time: 15 minutes
    Temperature: 140oF
    Typical Slurry Characteristics % Solids: 2
    Particle Size Distribution: 92-98% -325 mesh (44 microns)
    Diagnostics Continuous monitioring of pH, temperature, flue gas composition (inlet and outlet), slurry flow rate and slurry density.
    Particle Size
    Solids Loading
    Chemical Analysis
    • Liquid
      • Anions: SO3-2, SO4-2, Cl-, NO2-2, NO3-, PO4-2
      • Cations:Ca+2, Mg+2
    • Solid
      • S, Mg, Ca, CO3

    Stoker Simulator

    Photograph of Stoker Simulator

    Schematic of Stoker Simulator

    The stoker apparatus simulates the combustion environment typically found in stoker-fired boilers. The facility simulates a moving bed in that the air flow rates are varied with time. The ignition plane can be traced as a function of time and operating conditions.

    Features

    Design Fabricated from 14" steel pipe; 1.25" concentric castable refractory and 3.5" of insulation.
    Four sampling ports (3/8" diameter) at 90o angles to each other at 1" intervals (axially) from the grate
    Electric coil is used to provide the ignition energy to the top of the bed
    Fuel Fired Coal, Coal-Biomass Mixture, Coal-Tire Mixture
    Fuel Charge 1.7 lb corresponding to a bed thickness of 4.5" giving a midrange area firing density typical of utility-scale stoker boilers (8-50 lbs per sq ft)
    Combustion Air Supplied via distributor plate to the bottom of the chamber
    Diagnostics
  • Continous emission monitoring:CO, CO2, O2, SO2 and NOx within the bed
  • Gateway 2000 computer interface with apparatus to collect temperatures, gas composition data and pressure drop across the bed using Viewdac data collection software

  • Coal Preparation Equipment

    Coal Cleaning

    Photo of Froth Flotation Cell

    The CUC has the capability to conduct custom cleaning tests in a froth flotation circuit. The circuit can be run as a single stage or rougher-cleaner configuration. The circuit has the capability to handle coals having a wide range of sulfur and ash content. A variety of additives can also be tested for relative performance. The cake is then dried or slurried depending upon the product use. Complete characterization of the feed fuel and cleaned product is conducted on site. Washability (float-sink) determinations are also conducted in conjunction with the Mineral Processing Program at Penn State.

    Froth Flotation Circuit Features

    Design Rougher and cleaner circuits consisting of 4 and 2 Wemco flotation cells, respectively
    Capacity 0.3-0.5 toh/h
    Typical Additives MIBS (frothing agent), dodecane (collector)
    Size of Feed to Rougher Cells -100 mesh
    Dewatering Denver disk filter (2 - 24" disks)
    Froth Flotation Circuit- Rougher Cells



    Froth Flotation Circuit - Cleaner Cells


    Envelope Image

    For more information on the Coal Utilization Center contact
    Bruce G. Miller,
    Associate Director, Coal Utilization Center



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