Murray State University
Department of Physics and Engineering

Coal Fragmentation Project

    The study of coal fragmentation is being undertaken through experimentation using a laboratory-scale fluidized bed combustor.  The combustor is operated at temperatures and flow conditions approximating those of industrial scale boilers.  Coal samples are added in batches to the combustion bed consisting of inert sand particles which are suspended by a burning mixture of natural gas and air.  After a fragmentation event has been indicated through the gas analysis response, the fuel and air mixture are replaced with a nitrogen gas flow to stop the combustion process and cool the bed.  Coal particle size analysis is then done to find the particle-size distribution for various combustion times after batch addition.  Experiments are conducted at several conditions of temperature, background gas concentration, particle size and coal type.  This work is anticipated to provide a  greater understanding of the processes which form particulates and reduce fuel efficiency.
 
 
OTHER RESEARCH PROJECTS
    Limestone Desulfurization Modeling
   Centrifugal Fluidized Bed Hydrodynamics
    Naval Reserves Projects
    Other Research Interests/Opportunities
Contact Information
Address: Dept. of Physics & Engineering, 131 Blackburn Science Building,  Murray State University, P.O. Box 9, Murray, KY 42071-0009
Office:  Blackburn Science Bldg., Room 171
Phone: (270) 762-4918 (Direct Line),  762- 2993 (Physics Office)
Fax:   (270) 762-6107
Email: ted.thiede@murraystate.edu

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Last Modified February, 1999.