One of the most common power sources is the combustion of coal, which occurs in PC (pulverized coal) boilers. One of the main issues that determines the design and operation of fossil energy utilization equipment is ash deposition on combustor surfaces.

    While there are several indices of ash behavior, there is currently no complete model that describes ash deposition in a comprehensive way. The fate of inorganic material during combustion remains less well understood than the combustion of the organic material. BYU is involved in experimental and theoretical work to develop a model that better describes ash deposition. We are working to develop a model named SAFE (Slagging and Fouling Expert). This model is based on both first-principal derivations and a series of experimental results that will allow specification of critical parameters in the mechanisms of ash deposition. Over a dozen predictions from this model have been compared with experimental results from combustion systems of several different sizes and coal types.

    SAFE is currently being incorporated to predict ash deposition and outline the influence of inorganic material in its varied forms on ash deposition properties.