Combustion studies of coal-in-oil droplets. Final report, August 1, 1977-July 31, 1979

The combustion characteristics of droplets of coal-oil mixtures (COM) were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Results show that agglomeration of the coal powder occurs upon complete depletion of the volatile oil components, and therefore has serious implications regarding radiation transfer, total burning time, and particulate collection efficiency. Agglomeration is somewhat irrelevant for COM with No. 6 oil because of the small volatility-differentials between coal and No. 6 oil. As a result of agglomeration, fine-crushing the coal is unnecessary unless they can be reduced to micron-sizes such that agglomerate ignition is facilitated