Design, construction, operation, and evaluation of a prototype culm combustion boiler/heater unit. Combustion studies conducted in 12''-diameter fluid-bed facility test period October 1978-February 1979

To aid in the development of a prototype fluidized-bed boiler burning anthracite culm, the combustion characteristics of culm were examined in a 12-inch FluoSolids Reactor at Dorr-Oliver Incorporated's Laboratory. Culms with two different heating values were used. The heat transfer coefficients were examined using four heat exchanger tubes. Limestone and dolomite were used as sorbents. The unit was operated at atmospheric pressure, bed temperatures up to 1695/sup 0/F and fluidization velocities up to 6.8 ft/sec. The results indicate that a 90% sulfur capture and a combustion efficiency higher than 95% can be achieved. The heat-transfer coefficients varied in the bed from 35 to 70 Btu/h Ft/sup 2/ /sup 0/F and in the free-board from 5 to 20 Btu/h Ft/sup 2/ /sup 0/F.