Potential Cost and Efficiency Savings through Improved Multiphase Application in Uk Fossil-fired Power Generation

The work described in this report was carried out under contract as part of the Department of Trade and Industry's Cleaner Coal Technology Transfer Programme. The Programme is managed by ETSU. The views and judgements expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ETSU or the Department of Trade and Industry. SUMMARY ETSU on behalf of the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has commissioned a study into potential cost and efficiency savings that may be gained through improved multiphase flow (MPF), application in UK fossil-fired power generation. The aims of this review were:-• to survey MPF application in the UK fossil-fuel energy sector, paying particular reference to power generation. • to identify key applications of MPF. • to assess in which of these applications, further developments would lead to a potential overall energy, efficiency and/or cost savings. • to estimate the potential energy, efficiency and/or cost savings in these applications. • to identify the further developments which would lead to greater benefits. To maintain a manageable database, the study has excluded tube-side steam-water flows, and also the oil/gas/water flows associated with oil and gas recovery. The report contains a review of the current status of the UK fossil-fuelled power industry and how it has developed since privatisation. Important changes in the mix of fuels used to generate electricity since the 1970s have been highlighted and the prospects for the continued use of coal firing for power generation have been discussed. Questionnaires were submitted to selected organisations within the power generation industry, UK universities and equipment suppliers. Power generators were asked to identify problem areas and any MPF activity with potential for cost and/or efficiency improvements. Universities were asked to identify their relevant past and possible future development projects. Possible applications of new technologies into the fossil-fired generating sector were also solicited. Equipment suppliers were asked for their views on equipment development in the present and future. The response to and findings from the questionnaire were revealing. Despite the recipients being carefully screened for the study, the response was, with a few exceptions, poor. The opportunity by UK universities to identify and disseminate details of MPF and other relevant expertise was largely ignored. No attempts were made to suggest new applications for developing advanced technologies. Equipment manufacturers and computer software suppliers almost completely ignored the (ii) questionnaire. Power generators were the …