Fouling and Slagging Investigation on Ash Derived from Sasol Coal Using ICP and XRF Analytical Techniques

During coal combustion in boilers, light fly ash particles are carried away along with the hot flue gases and heavier bottom fall to of boiler. The stick on convective heat transfer surfaces furnace wall, causing fouling slagging deposition problems during boiler operation. effect reduces boiler’s operational efficiency. This study was motivated by decline efficiency installed boilers at Sasol synfuel operations Secunda, Mpumalanga province Republic South Africa. It assumed that drop caused operations. rate accumulation tubes water walls operation depends chemical composition produced combustion. Coal samples were collected from site for laboratory analysis determine their using induced coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy (ICP-OES, ICP-MS) X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analytical methods. major, minor trace elements (%) obtained ICP-OES ICP-MS, whereas elemental an oxidised atmosphere XRF analysis. amount unburnt within determined loss ignition (LOI) test. prediction evaluated previously developed indices as a guide analysed results this study. concluded guided chemistry boiler(s) there is low medium occurrence walls.