Texas lignite combustion

Direct combustion has been used with Texas lignite on a utility scale since the 1950 s. However, in the past ten years there has been considerable testing of Texas lignite in alternative energy processes such as fluidized bed combustion, gasification, and direct liquefaction. We summarize activities in each area below. 

The UT-Austin experimental tests have shown that high (98+ %) carbon combustion efficiency is possible in a fluidized bed combustor burning Texas lignite and operating on a once-through basis. Future tests incorporating recycle of elutriated material will be performed to determine the extent to which this increases carbon efficiency. 

EPRI contracted an economic study on the use of Texas lignite in atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (42), and projected that the costs of AFBC would be less than those for pulverized combustion plus flue gas desulfurization. However, while AFBC appears feasible for small-scale units (less than 50 MW ), there is some doubt that large scale utility AFBC systems can operate successfully. Part of this problem stems from the inadequacy of "bubbling bed" design normally used in AFBC newer designs, such as the circulating bed, offer more promise for commercial application and are being tested presently (32). 

Mei, J. S, Grimm, U. Halow, J. S. "Fluidized-Bed Combustion Test of Low Quality Fuels - Texas Lignite and Lignite Refuse" MERC/RI-78/3, 1978. 

Westby, T. Kochhar, R. Edgar, T, F. "Retention of Sulfur by Ash During Fluidized Bed Combustion of Texas Lignite" AIChE Meeting, Houston, Texas, April, 1983. 

James, W., Acevedo, L., 1993. Trace element partitioning in Texas lignite combustion. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 

There are two sources of lignite mined in the USA, the Gulf Coast Region in Texas and the Fort Union basin in North Dakota. Combustion of Gulf Coast lignite forms a low- to... 

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