Effect of the shape of an organic water–coal fuel particle on the condition and characteristics of its ignition in a hot air flow

Abstract

The results of experimental studies of the effect of the shape of an organic water–coal fuel (OCWF) particle on its ignition delay time and the time of its complete burnout in a hot air flow are reported. Three most common shapes of real particles, such as spherical, ellipsoidal, and irregular-polyhedron-like, are considered. It is shown that the shortest ignition delay time and the time of complete burnout correspond to polyhedron- shaped OCWF particles. Conditions are identified under which this factor significantly influences the ignition characteristics. The experiments were carried out at initial particle sizes (averaged maximum values) of 0.5–5 mm and temperatures and velocities of the oxidant flow of 600–900 K and 0.5–5 m/s, respectively. The main components of the studied fuels were coal processing wastes and waste motor, turbine, and transformer oils.