Title: Study of agglomeration in 3.5 MW AFBC using rice husk particles

Authors: Ravi Inder Singh, S.K. Mohapatra, D. Gangacharyulu

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Gill Road, Ludhiana, 141006, Punjab, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Thapar University, Bhadson Road, Patiala, 147004, Punjab, India. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Thapar University, Bhadson Road, Patiala, 147004, Punjab, India

Abstract: The combustion of rice husk in fluidised bed combustors seems to be an attractive possibility for power generation in the future, keeping in view the waste disposal problems and the reduction of greenhouse gases. In commercial installations, the occurrence of agglomeration is still one of the main reasons for unscheduled outrages. In this paper, a review of agglomeration mechanism and its prevention has been made by considering the case study of a 3.5 MW rice husk-based power plant situated at Nahar Spinning Mills Ltd. (NSML), Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Proximate, SEM analysis and quantitative elementary analysis of agglomerates samples taken from plant has been done and corrective measures have been suggested. TGA of rice husk taken from the plant has also been done to correlate it with agglomeration. The agglomeration and defluidisation in 3.5 MW NSML Ludhiana using rice husk particles is caused by high potassium content in the fuel. It is not possible to measure localised temperature, which may exceed 900-1000°C, while the plant is running, which may cause agglomeration at above plant. Refreshment of bed with fresh particles and lowering bed temperature are the key measures to prevent agglomeration.

Keywords: agglomerates; biomass; fluidised bed combustion; defluidisation; rice husks; renewable energy; agglomeration; power generation; India; rice husk particles; potassium.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2011.039289

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2011 Vol.2 No.2, pp.120 - 142

Received: 01 Dec 2008
Accepted: 06 Jun 2009
Published online: 21 Feb 2015 *

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