Page 26 - New Trends In Coal Conversion

Preface

This book provides extensive information on new trends in coal conversion, particu-
larly in the fields of combustion, gasification, and cokemaking. The book is especially
recommended for specialists in coal and coal conversion processes, coal researchers
and teachers, and in general for people interested in finding out about future trends
in the most controversial areas of coal utilization.
The book contains 15 chapters. The first chapter presents an overview about what is
generally known about coal with reference to its formation, the main geological ages of
coal deposits, the current worldwide geographical distribution of coal resources and
reserves, the composition and properties of coal and their relevance to subsequent
CO 2 and mercury emissions, and all the characteristics that are important for assessing
the quality of a coal for use in the main conversion processes. In addition, the most
recent estimates for coal production and consumption are outlined, as are the likely
trends for the near future.
In view of the fact that coal used in the field of energy and other industrial sectors is
a significant source of CO 2 , mercury, and other trace element emissions, Chapter 2
discusses the current status of CO 2 Capture, Use and Storage from coal facilities as
the only option for abating coal-related CO 2 emissions in a sustainable development
scenario. With respect to mercury and other element emissions which are also of
environmental and health concern, Chapter 3 focuses on how to minimize their impact.
This chapter also describes the most recent relevant legislation and the actions that
need to be taken to minimize emissions of mercury and other metals during coal
utilization and the specific technologies currently applied for their control with special
emphasis on the methodologies that are most suitable for ensuring future compliance.
Chapters 4 and 5 are devoted to coal and biomass cofiring as a promising technol-
ogy to limit the use of fossil fuels for energy generation, and hence to mitigate
greenhouse gas emissions. Chapter 4 describes the technologies (suspension-firing,
fluidized bed combustion, and grate-firing) used to cofire coal and biomass for heat
and power generation and emphasizes the role of computational fluid dynamics
modeling as a tool for developing cofiring technologies. In addition, it discusses the
new modeling issues arising from cofiring under oxy-fuel conditions. More specif-
ically, Chapter 5 describes all the fundamentals of coal and biomass cofiring as well
as future trends.
Chapter 6 looks at the technology available for controlling sulfur and nitrogen com-
pounds, and particulates generated in both coal combustion and gasification processes.
The basic characteristics and innovations related to the principal pollutant control