Experimental exploration of the effect of oxy-fuel combustion on ash deposition behavior of Zhundong high-alkali coal

Zhundong coalfield has a super-large reserve of coal resources. However, its high-alkali feature deteriorates the phenomenon of ash deposition and slagging in coal-fired boilers. Oxy-fuel combustion is a clean and efficient combustion technology, which promotes the efficient and clean utilization of high-alkali coals. While the ash deposition behaviors of high-alkali coals in oxy-fuel case are still unclear. This study compared the differences in morphology and element distribution of ash deposits between air and oxy-fuel conditions to reveal the ash deposition characteristics and mineral migration during oxy-fuel combustion of high-alkali coals. Experimental results showed that the ash deposits were less compact with less floc ash adhering to the ash particles during oxy-fuel combustion compared to air case. Besides, few sulphur, sodium, chlorine and calcium existed in the ash deposits in oxy-fuel combustion, which was constant with the fewer and weaker diffraction peaks of sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, anorthite and mullite under oxy-fuel condition. With the oxygen concentration increased, the intensity of sodium chloride diffraction peak is stronger.