Ash Evaluation of Indonesian Coal Blending for Pulverized Coal-Fired Boilers

Hariana, undefined; Prismantoko, Adi; Ahmadi, Ganda Arif; Darmawan, Arif

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8478739

Journal of Combustion

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Abstract Introduction Materials and Methods Results and Discussion Conclusion Data Availability Conflicts of Interest References Copyright Related Articles

Research Article | Open Access

Volume 2021 | Article ID 8478739 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8478739

Ash Evaluation of Indonesian Coal Blending for Pulverized Coal-Fired Boilers

Hariana,¹Adi Prismantoko,¹Ganda Arif Ahmadi,²and Arif Darmawan¹

Academic Editor: Benjamin Shaw

Received19 Aug 2021

Accepted08 Nov 2021

Published14 Dec 2021

Abstract

Coal calorific value is one of the main considerations for using coal as a power plant fuel. In addition, the requirements for indications of slagging and fouling are also important to maintain combustion efficiency. However, coal power plants often experience problems in boiler operations due to the use of certain types of coal, even though they have a relatively high calorific value. This research investigates the effect of coal blending on ash fouling and slagging in an experimental investigation using a drop tube furnace with or without additives. Five different types of coal from different locations have been used in this study. Pulverized low-rank coal samples are burned in a drop tube furnace at 1,175°C with probe temperatures of 550°C and 600°C, corresponding to the combustion chamber of 600 MW power plants, including superheater and reheater areas. The ash particles’ characteristics and material composition were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. All coal mixture combinations demonstrated potential as a fuel for power plants that use pulverized coal-fired boilers. Because of its capacity to reduce slagging and fouling potentials, combining coal blending with the use of chemical additives yielded the greatest results.

1. Introduction

Most of the power plants in Indonesia use fossil fuels, with coal as the largest contributor of about 60% [1]. Large economic growth leads to higher electricity consumption in a straight line. Consequently, coal power plants have become one of the important national energy sectors. The country is also one of the largest coal exporters, with 20% of coal in the international market coming from Indonesia. In 2019, coal recorded the largest production record of 610 million tons, of which 458.8 million tons became export commodities. Low-rank coal (calorific value below 5,100 kcal/kg) and medium-rank coal (5,100–6,100 kcal/kg) dominate current Indonesian coal production. Coal reserves are estimated to be about 38.45% for low-rank coal and around 54.11% for medium-rank coal. The country’s power plants use both types of coal as fuel.

Basically, coal calorific value is one of the main considerations for using coal as a power plant fuel. In addition, the requirements for slagging and fouling measurements are also important to maintain sustainable combustion efficiency. As a solution, the coal combustion analysis tool can indicate the slagging and fouling effects of coal burned inside the boiler. Coal power plants often experience problems in boiler operations due to the use of certain types of coal, even though they have a relatively high calorific value [2]. Hare et al. [3] stated mixing the main coal with other coals can solve slagging and fouling problems. The effect of coal blending on the combustion performance of low-rank coals was also investigated [4]. The study found the coal blends could extend combustion operation by controlling particle agglomeration and bed defluidization. Another study also reported the effect of coal blending and ashing temperature on ash sintering and its characterization using lignite from China blended with Australian bituminous and Indonesian lignite, respectively, at various blending ratios [5–7]. Furthermore, Plaza [8] developed a tool to predict the effects of biomass cofiring with coal on pulverized fired boilers’ ash deposition and thermal performance. In their work, Chuan et al. [6] investigated the influence factors of slagging and fouling using Zhundong coal and a Si/Al-dominated low-rank coal with various ratios. The results demonstrate that blending has a severe slagging and fouling tendency when the alkali/acid ratio is greater than 0.400, and the difference between ST and DT (ST-DT) is less than 20°C. Furthermore, the operating data of a commercial coal-fired boiler was extracted for six coal blends by Park et al. [9]. The investigation was conducted to determine the thermal resistance by slagging. They found the conventional slagging indices for the six ash samples did not match well with the thermal resistance of the slag. In general, coal blending optimization can improve the diversity of prepared coal, quality, and stability [10]. In addition, it can increase the calorific value of the blend while decreasing inorganic content. Karin [11] also conducted a full-scale experimental study to understand the basic knowledge about ash deposit formation and elucidate factors in three power plants. The results indicated that burning coals with medium slagging tendencies in an existing boiler could cause more issues in future boilers.

Adding additives is another method to overcome slagging and fouling problems. Antislagging additives have already been used for coal combustion, coal gasification, or biomass combustion. The additives are used to minimize slagging and fouling during these processes. For example, Lowe et al. [11] investigated the effectiveness of fuel additives at alleviating alkali bonded fouling on a laboratory and industrial scale. It was demonstrated that kaolinite could reduce alkali bonded fouling in stokers or FBC. Laboratory studies indicated that available sodium levels are reduced by a reaction between the kaolinite and sodium. Large-scale studies confirmed that this corresponded to reduced quantities of lower strength deposits when the kaolinite was premixed with the coal. Therefore, injection of kaolinite is less acceptable. Zhao et al. [12] performed a systematic study to examine the effectiveness of MgO-based additives in mitigating fouling problems in kraft recovery boilers. They found the additive coating does not affect deposit accumulation. However, an air blow-off jet greatly facilitates the deposit removal if a coating thickness greater than 5 μm can be applied on the tube surface. Mechanical mixing and separate injection of additive and black liquor have an insignificant effect on deposit accumulation and removal since the amount of Mg deposited on the probe is too small. Furthermore, additives with various chemical compositions and potential counteracting effects can reduce ash-related issues during biomass combustion. The most important effect of additions is chemical binding, which turns hazardous ash components into high-temperature stable compounds [13]. More studies are still needed for further understanding of the interactions between additives and biomass ashes. Critical studies are necessary to increase our understanding further. In the most recent studies, the fusion behavior of hydro char ash is shown to be improved using rice hulls and kaolin as aluminum-silicate-based additives [14]. Rice hulls with kaolin can raise the temperature of hydrochar ash fusion to around 1,500°C. However, utilizing bentonite, lime, or combining lime with rice hulls, bentonite, or kaolin had less promising results. Yanqi et al. [15] analyzed the impact of additives on slagging and fouling in the Zhundong coal gasification process. Six additives were tested in a horizontal tube furnace to see if they may help reduce fouling and slagging during coal gasification. The additives included kaolin, boehmite, corundum, quartz, raw vermiculite, and ripe vermiculite.

However, although widely studied, almost no study deals with the effect of chemical additives during mixed fuel combustion on slagging and fouling behavior. This research is aimed to investigate the effect of coal blending on ash fouling and slagging in a pilot experiment using a drop tube furnace with or without additives. Three different types of coal from different locations have been used in this study. The ash particles’ characteristics and material composition were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials and Preparation

The Indonesian coal samples were originated from East Kalimantan province (KT coal). In addition, SS coal from South Sumatra, KP coal from East Kalimantan, KS coal from South Kalimantan, and spot purchased coal (TK coal) were selected to prepare coal blends. The chemical composition of coal can be seen in Table 1. The blended coal of KT (50%) and SS (50%) coal was then called BD-1A (without additives) and BD-1B (with additives). BD-2A is a mixture of KT1 (50%) and KP (50%) coal without additives, while BD-2B is a blend of KT (50%) and KP (50%) coal with additives. BD-3A is 50% KT and 50% TK coal blend without additives, and BD-3B is 50% KT and 50% TK coal blend with additives. The blended coal of KT (50%) and KS (50%) was called BD-4A (without additives) and BD-4B (with additives). For every 100 tons of coal, about 6 kg additives are added or 0.006%. The coal material was prepared by crushing, which resulted in pulverized coal with 70% passing 200 mesh (75 microns) size of each coal. The pulverized fuel was then analyzed and blended according to the provisions, including additives (MgO). The following table shows the characteristic of each coal, including the mixed coal:

This study uses the main equipment, DTF (drop tube furnace), a furnace with a ceramic tube length of 1,200 mm, and an inner diameter of 72 mm, as shown in Figure 1. The cofiring process is conducted in a downward direction inside the tubular furnace. Fuel mixture particles were delivered at a rate of 50–100 gr/h through a feeder positioned on the top of DTF. A plate-shaped probe is inserted into the furnace to capture ash deposits, and the temperature is adjusted. Furthermore, the ashes are cooled down and collected using sheets of paper developed by the authors. Then, their compositions are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The furnace operates at a combustion chamber temperature of 1,175°C with an excess of 5% O₂, probe temperatures of 550°C and 600°C. It corresponds to the combustion chamber of 600 MW power plants, including superheater and reheater areas.

Furthermore, the probe results were compared with Jones index; the coal ash attached to the probe was observed with an SEM JEOL JSM 6510-LA scanning electron microscope with MOXTEK 550i thin-film-coated IXRF energy-dispersive spectrometer. Scanning electron microscopy was tested using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) equipment, a technique for analyzing the elements near the surface of the selected microscopic region of the sample. Energy-dispersive detectors are used to measure the scattered X-ray, identifying characteristics of the elements. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed using the EMPYREAN type Bragg–Brentano diffractometer from PANALYTICAL. Ash samples were analyzed using this equipment with a measurement angle of 15–80 degrees, measurement time per step of 1 second, X-ray material in Cu, voltage 40 kV, and current 30 mA. The mineral phase of the deposit was identified using HighScore Plus software v.3.0e. In addition, the characteristic peak intensity for each mineral was recorded and used to indicate the content of the mineral phase in the ash. Measurements on the ash samples were repeated three times, and it was found that the error was relatively high for each mineral phase at 15%. High intensity represents the high content of this mineral phase in the ash, and vice versa.

2.2. Empirical Prediction of Ash Deposition

Fuel composition, boiler structure, and operating conditions affect ash deposition [16]. Many chemical and physical mechanisms that contribute to ash generation and deposition are well understood [23, 24]. This knowledge has aided many utilities in reducing ash deposition problems in utility boilers. The ability to estimate the fuel’s tendency to foul and slag is required to design and operate coal-fired boilers. The use of standardized ashing processes, ash fusion experiments, and some empirically based slagging and fouling indices has been the traditional method of predicting coal ash behavior [8, 23]. Commonly, three models have been used, including models based on ash chemistry indices, thermochemical equilibrium models, and comprehensive combustion and ash formation/deposition models. Below, some of the most common coal ash chemistry indices used to predict ash deposition propensities are introduced [17].

2.2.1. Base-to-Acid Ratio

The base-to-acid ratio is defined as the ratio of basic oxides to acidic oxides as follows:where %Fe₂0₃ is the weight percentage of Fe₂0₃ on an ash basis. The base-to-acid ratio should not be a single criterion for measuring ash deposition propensity, especially if it is less than 0.1 or greater than 1.0. The ratio has been linked to viscosities and ash fusion temperatures. It represents an ash’s melting potential. The base-to-acid ratio in the range of 0.4 to 0.7 for most ashes implies low ash fusibility temperatures and thus a higher slagging potential.

2.2.2. Slagging Factor

The slagging factor, , is an empirical parameter developed to relate ash analysis to fused slag deposits formed on furnace walls and other surfaces exposed primarily to radiant heat as follows:where is the base-to-acid ratio and %S is the sulfur content on a coal dry basis. The base-to-acid ratio indicates the melting point and viscosity of the slag. At the same time, %S indicates the quantity of pyritic iron present, which influences the oxidation state of iron in the slag (and thus the rheology of the slag) [17, 18]. The recommended values for the evaluation of the slagging propensity of coal ash are as follows: < 0.6: low 0.6 < ≤ 2.0: medium 2.0 < ≤ 2.6: high > 2.6: very high/severe

2.2.3. Fouling Factor, Ash Fusibility Factor, and Silica Ratio

The calculation of the ash fouling factor for bituminous ash coal is as follows:

where R_f is an empirical parameter developed to predict the propensity of alkali bonded deposits to form on convection tube banks, especially superheaters and reheaters, which are not exposed to radiant heat from the furnace. Furthermore, during high-temperature thermal conversion processes, ash fusibility can indicate ash agglomeration and clinkering. In terms of representative fusion temperature, this parameter is estimated as follows:

The silica ratio () is defined as follows:

The recommended values for evaluating the fouling factor, ash fusibility factor, and silica ratio are provided in Table 2.

For lignite ash coal, the fouling factor is based on sodium (Na₂O) content with the following calculation, if %CaO + %MgO + %Fe₂O₃ > 20% wt coal ash, then the classification is as follows: Na₂O < 3.0: low to medium 3.0 < Na₂O < 6.0: high Na₂O > 6.0: very high

If %CaO + %MgO + %Fe₂O₃ < 20% wt coal ash, then the classification is as follows: Na₂O < 1.2: low to medium 1.2 < Na₂O < 3.0: high Na₂O > 3.0: very high

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Effect of Coal Blending

3.1.1. Slagging Fouling Prediction

Numerous empirical indices of slagging and fouling tendency based on ash composition have been developed and frequently used. Prediction of slagging fouling of coal mixture based on the results of coal characterization analysis can be seen in Table 3. It is worth noting that when the coal blending was added to additives, the indices of the base-to-acid ratio, slagging factor, silica ratio, and ash fusibility factor were slightly decreased. One of the most commonly utilized indicators is the ratio. This ratio represents the melting potential of coal ash and has been demonstrated to correlate with a viscosity at high temperatures and ash fusion temperature. However, corroboration with additional indices or factors is required, especially if the value is less than 0.1 or greater than 1.0. Based on the ratio and confirmed by slagging index, it seems all blending coal has low slagging tendencies. The slagging factor can also be predicted using the ash fusibility temperatures, although it is only applicable to bituminous ash. The fouling index (R_f) demonstrated that it was prone to fouling. Depending on the mechanism of occurrence in coal, sodium may be vaporized in the flame and subsequently condensed on heat transfer surfaces in a boiler’s colder convective pass, generating alkali-matrix deposits and corrosion. As a result, sodium oxide content in the ash and the total alkali content on a coal dry basis have been utilized to assess potential fouling problems [17].

3.1.2. Observation of Probes

Observations were performed on the combustion process, including the probe condition before and after burning coal and material cleaning. The following is a probe that has been used to capture dust and slag on DTF with a combustion chamber temperature of around 1,175°C; the first and second rows are the results of coal ash on the probe with a temperature of 550°C, which aims to describe the tube wall area, while the third and fourth rows are to describe the superheater region with a temperature of 600°C. By comparing these probes, qualitative data can be obtained on how much ash adheres. Data were collected twice for each probe.

It can be seen in Table 4 that the material adheres at probe at a temperature of 600°C is generally more than that at 550°C. It indicates that at higher temperatures, more elements have reacted or transformed. Moreover, the addition of MgO will have a positive effect because, due to the nature of Mg, which makes the slag material brittle, it also inhibits melt production. However, it is necessary to conduct more in-depth research to determine the effect of adding this additive on the potential for slagging and fouling.

Table 5 shows the probes that have been cleaned of ash and lightly adhered slag. It can be seen that BD-1B and BD-4B are the cleanest probes. Probes resulting from combustion with additives are generally cleaner than those without additives. Still, some probes show that the addition of additives affects the accumulation of slag, such as BD-2A. A review can also be done using the Jones index to predict the strength of the ash attached to the probe [19].

3.2. Observations with SEM

Evaluating the potential for slagging can be done by paying attention to morphology and elements (EDX). This morphological observation can be interpreted in the combustion conditions and material form.

3.2.1. BD-1A Probe at 550°C and 600°C

At 100x magnification, it can be seen in Figure 2(a); the material is dominated by white, gray, and dark flakes at 500°C. The predominant particle size is 100 microns. There are balls in small numbers in spot 1 in the form of balls with 52.75% Fe as dominant element and other minor elements, but if we look at the morphology of this material, it is relatively not much. In spot 2, the main elements are Si and Al; there are 1.33% Na and 1.49% K; others are relatively low. The material with typical spot 2 distribution is quite a lot. Although it is not dominant, the material with spot 3 is dominated by Si elements and a little Al. The distribution of chemical elements is the most dominant. The dominance at 1,000x magnification is Si and Al; other elements are relatively low but still below 2%. Overall, this 550°C probe is nothing to worry about.

(a)

(b)

At 600°C, the predominance of the material at 100x magnification is the flakes, but there is a fine dust blanket around it in a small spherical shape (Figure 2(b)). There is a small amount of amorphous form dominated by dark colors and a little bright white. Spots 1 and 3 have similarities regarding the content of Si and Al, with low Fe. From the observation, these two types of material are dominant. Spot 2 is a material with an amorphous shape that is white, and the distribution is not dominant. The amount of Al and Si is about 27%; other elements such as sulfur, Ca, and Fe are about 3–5%. 1,000x magnification details spot 2, where the (Si + Al) content is about 40%. The Fe and Ca elements are in low amounts, but Na is enough to note, namely 1.99%.

Under XRD analysis, as seen in Table 6, the BD-1A probe at 550°C is dominated by low quartz, 72%, including similar minerals, namely silicon oxide SiO₂ (2%). The quartz low group of 74% is generally considered harmless. This number is medium and is a good trait. The BD-1A probe at 600°C is dominated by high quartz, where 85% is generally considered harmless. In contrast, the other minerals are calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) as much as 15% either at 550°C or at 600°C. CaSO₄ that may occur is a reaction between CaO and SO₂ or the elemental form of CaSO₄ from the beginning. The reaction process occurs at temperatures between 800℃ and 1,000°C in the gas phase. At 1,000°C –1,200°C and above temperatures, SO₄ is released and can react with other elements such as Si or Al forming Ca₂Al₂SiO₇ [20, 21].

3.2.2. BD-1B Probe at 550°C and 600°C

Morphologically, the ash at 550°C probes at 100x magnification shows it is dominated by bright white flakes with a diagonal of about 100 microns, although some are larger than that (see Figure 3(a)). These bright white flakes indicate that Si and Al are influential here. There is also a grayish round shape that indicates Fe elements there, even in small amounts. Although not severe, some elements experience melting, possibly due to the presence of K. From the two enlargements above, the morphology and elements are within safe and reasonable limits. The thing to watch out for is the appearance of K, where this element will melt at low temperatures and will bind Si or Al to form lumps that will melt at low temperatures. The presence of Mg in the ash will make the melt brittle (amorphous) so that it is easily overcome with a shoot blower.

(a)

(b)

The ash at 600°C (as seen in Figure 3(b)) is similar to the 550°C probe above, although it looks better. It indicates that the ash material appears to be dominated by flakes with 100 microns, with some appearing larger but some smaller. In terms of color, it appears a bright white color that indicates that Si and Al are quite even and abundant.

At 100x magnification, spot 1 is dominated by Al and Si; the rest are elements of unburned carbon and oxygen. A similar condition is the third spot, but Al is lower with a darker color than spot 1. Ca appears with a high percentage of up to 21%. At 1,000x magnification at the marked point, the dominance of Si is evident in the element list. In a reasonable amount, Fe and K are present. In terms of morphology and EDS of BD-1 coal using additives, we should consider further.

In XRD analysis, the material at 550°C is dominated by silicon oxide (SiO₂) 93%, as depicted in Table 7. This element has harmless properties from its contribution to slagging and fouling and will even positively affect it. This element is stable until about 570°C, where it will then transform into high quartz. At a temperature of 876°C, it transforms into tridymite, and at a temperature of 1,400°C, it transforms into cristobalite. Elemental quartz will be stable at a temperature of 1,530°C. Problems arise if the other elements that melt first and bind SiO₂ are heated continuously [22]. Another element with 7% is millosevichite (Al₂O₁₂S₃) or Al₂(SO₄)₃. The possible reaction is that the element decomposes into Al₂O₃ and Al₃SO₃. The elemental base is Al₂O₃, so there is no need to be wary. The ash at 600°C is dominated by F₂O_3. It has started to transform at a temperature of around 590°C [21]; several other references mention around 800°C. Elements included in one clump are FeO, FeS, Fe₂O₃, and Fe₂(SO₄)₃, which may occur or be formed. Fe₂O₃ will melt completely at a temperature of around 1,500°C. At this time, it can bind other elements. The element in the second position is 13% high quartz formed at a temperature of 570°C and has harmless properties as described at a probe temperature of 550°C.

3.2.3. BD-2A Probe at 550°C and 600°C

A probe at 550 °C with 100x magnification is morphologically dominated by material in the form of flakes measuring 100 microns and below that are coated with dust around them (see Figure 4). The main element is Si, around 35% with a small amount of Al. There is Fe of 1.8%. In a probe at 600°C, the size of the flakes varies between 75 and 150 microns. In general, compared to the 550°C probes, this probe is cleaner than dust enveloping debris. Elements of Si are still very dominant, and Al is not so large. There is about 1% Na. K, Ca, and Fe are in relatively low amounts.

(a)

(b)

Table 8 lists the result of the XRD analysis of BD-2A ash. At 550°C, the probe is dominated by 95% quartz low, and in general, not dangerous. This number is medium and is a good trait. Another 5% mineral is iron phosphate. Phosphate will melt at a temperature of around 48°C, while Fe-phosphate melts at a temperature of 180°C. This element needs to be aware of as a trigger for slagging because it has a lower melting temperature than Fe₂O₃, which begins to melt above 800°C. At 600°C, the probe is dominated by quartz low with 93%. Another element is 7% millosevichite (Al₂O₁₂S₃) or Al₂(SO₄)₃. The possible reaction is that the element decomposes into Al₂O₃ and Al₃SO₃.

3.2.4. BD-2B Probe at 550°C and 600°C

A probe at 550°C with 100x magnification is morphologically dominated by Si, as depicted in Figure 5. There are also Al and Fe with amounts below 6%. The average flake size is about 100 microns or less. At 1,000x magnification, it can be seen in spots 1 and 2 that Fe content dominates with 50–60%. Meanwhile, in spot 3, Si is more dominant with 19% compared to Fe, which is only around 2%. For the 600°C probe, the conditions were similar to that of the 550°C probe, where the predominance was flaked that were about 100 microns in size and slightly spherical (see Figure 5(b)). In this probe, the Fe content is relatively invisible. Si is still the dominant element at both 100x and 1,000x magnification.

(a)

(b)

The result of the XRD analysis of BD-2B is summarized in Table 9. Based on XRD analysis, the probe at 550°C is dominated by high quartz with 82%. Another element is FeO₄P of 11%, where this element begins to form at a temperature of around 590°C. Another element is FeO₄P, which is still a group of iron. Fe-phosphate melts at a temperature of 180°C, and one of the causes of slagging is its low melting temperature. Another element formed is SO₂ by 7%. On probe 600°C, quart low dominates with 86% and indicates that the ash is harmless. Other elements are Ca₃Al₂Si₂ by 10% and FeO₄P by 4%.

3.2.5. BD-3A Probe at 550°C and 600°C

As seen in Figure 6(a), at the 550°C probe with 100x magnification, it appears that the ash is dominated by bright white flakes of about 100 microns. These bright white flakes indicate that there are elements of Si and Al, which are quite dominating. There is also a grayish round shape that indicates the presence of Fe elements. No significant amount of melt is seen. At 1,000x magnification, spots 1 and 3 have Si and Al dominance. For spot 2, there is a large Fe. For the 600°C probe, as shown in Figure 6(b), the conditions were similar to the 550°C probe, where the predominance was flaked that were about 100 microns in size and slightly spherical, and there was no significant stickiness.

(a)

(b)

Probe at 550°C is dominated by silicon oxide (SiO₂) 84%, where this element has a harmless character from its contribution to slagging and fouling and will even have a positive effect (see Table 10). This element will be stable up to a temperature of about 570°C, where it will then be transformed into high quartz. At a temperature of 876°C, it transforms into tridymite, and at a temperature of 1,400°C, it transforms into cristobalite. Elemental quartz will be stable at a temperature of 1,530°C. Problems arise if other elements melt first and bind SiO₂ and then heat it continuously. The additional content is aluminum sulfate, as much as 16%. In general, aluminum is a good influence on coal ash in terms of slagging but sulfate will have a negative effect. Similar to probe at 550°C, at 600°C, it is also dominated by silicon oxide (SiO₂) by 61%. This element has a harmless character from its contribution to slagging and fouling and even has a positive effect.

3.2.6. BD-3B Probe at 550°C and 600°C

Morphologically, the 550°C probe with 100x magnification is dominated by Si with a little Al. It can be seen in Figure 7(a). Flakes size varies. However, it is dominated by grain sizes of about 100 microns or smaller. Magnification of 1,000x at spots 1, 2, and 3 indicates that there is Si predominance, while other elements are minor. Figure 7(b) shows the morphology of BD-3B at the 600°C probe with 100x magnification; Si and Al appear to be dominated by almost equal portions. At 1,000x spot magnification at spots 1, 2, and 3, there are other elements that dominate, namely, Ca and S, while Si and Al are still present but in small amounts.

(a)

(b)

Based on the XRD analysis as listed in Table 11, the 550°C probe is dominated by 89%quartz low. This element will be stable to a temperature of about 570°C, and at a temperature of 876°C, it will transform into tridymite and will be stable at a temperature of 1,530°C. Another element is sulfuryl dichloride by 11%. Quartz also dominates the 600°C probe by 63%. The other element is anhydrite (CaSO₄) by 37%. The reaction process occurs at temperatures between 800 and 1,000°C in the gas phase.

3.2.7. BD-4A Probe at 550°C and 600°C

Figures 8(a) and 8(b) present the morphology of BD-4B at the 550°C and 600°C probes. Morphologically, the 550°C probe with 100x magnification is dominated by debris below 100 microns in size. It is dominated by Si elements in all spots with a small amount of Al. At 1,000x magnification, the first spot is dominated by Mo, Ca, and S with a mass above 10%. However, in spots 2 and 3, the Si element is still dominant at 40%. Like the 550°C probe, at the 600°C probe, both at 100x and 1,000x magnification, the ash melt is dominated by Si (around 40%) with a small amount of Al.

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(b)

In the XRD analysis, probe at 550°C is dominated by 70% quartz high, where this element positively affects slagging fouling (see Table 12). This element will be stable until about 570°C, which will be transformed into quartz high. At a temperature of 876°C, it transforms into tridymite, and at a temperature of 1,400°C, it transforms into cristobalite. Elemental quartz will be stable at a temperature of 1,530°C. Another element is aluminum sulfate by 30%. Quartz also dominates the 600°C probe by 70%. Another mineral is 20% calcium sulfate (CaSO₄). The reaction process occurs at temperatures between 800°C and 1,000°C in the gas phase. At 1,000°C –1,200°C, SO₄ is released and can react with other elements such as Si or Al to form Ca₂AlSiO₇.

3.2.8. BD-4B Probe at 550°C and 600°C

The 550°C probe is dominated dust in the form of flakes under 75 microns in size. Spot 1 is dominated by 29.66% Ca elements with very low Si and Al and 1.55% Fe (see Figure 9(a)). Spot 2 is dominated by Si 26%. Spot 3 is a round shape with the dominant element Fe 40.12%. Meanwhile, the 600°C probe is dominated by flakes above 100 microns in size. There is no massive melt, but most particles are light white and dark gray flakes (see Figure 9(b)). But there are small balls scattered around. There is also a hollow lump, which indicates air in it. A solid but porous liquid form indicates this cavity. Spot 1 is dominated by Si and Al. There are also K less than 1.22% and Fe 3.57%. For spot 2, Fe is dominated by 58.36%. At the same time, Si is only 8%. Spot 3 is dominated by Si. From the appearance at 100x magnification, the typical material in spots 1 and 3 is more dominant than spot 2 (rich in Fe). At 1,000x magnification, Si and Al are pretty high. There is a significant Mg that will have a good effect. But on the other hand, there is a relatively high K from 3.87%–7.14%. Elemental K has a harmful impact because it will melt at low temperatures.

(a)

(b)

The result of the XRD analysis of BD-4B is summarized in Table 13. At 550°C, the probe is dominated by quartz low that is 75% and is generally considered harmless. At the same time, another mineral is calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), as much as 19%. CaSO₄ that may occur is a reaction between CaO and SO₂ or the elemental form of CaSO4 from the beginning. The reaction process occurs at temperatures between 800°C and 1,000°C in the gas phase. At a temperature of 1,000°C –1,200°C and above, SO₄ is released and reacts with other elements such as Si/Al forming Ca₂AlSiO₇. Besides, there is sulfur oxide in 6%, which can react with Ca or Na at a temperature of around 1,000°C and form Na₂SO₄ or CaSO₄. Same with 550°C, at 600°C probe, is dominated by quartz low, which is 67%. In contrast, the other minerals are calcium sulfate (CaSO₄) as much as 33%.

4. Conclusion

By combining the results of the ratios of ash components, observations of probes, SEM, and XRD test results, it was found that all the above combinations of coal mixtures can be used as fuel for coal power plants with the PC boiler type. Especially, the priority is aimed at BD-1B, namely, coal blending KT 50% and SS 50% plus additives and BD-4B (50% KT and 50% KS coal blend with additive). It means that blending and additives are effective ways to overcome the potential for slagging and fouling.

Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article. The comprehensive data used to support the findings of this study are also available from the corresponding author upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Copyright © 2021 Hariana et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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