Download
1 / 16
160 likes | 265 Views
Introduction. The University power plant has the opportunity to cut fuel costs, decrease air emissions and provide support for a local industry through the burning of biomass. Background. Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids uses large quantities of oats in the production of breakfast cereals.
E N D
Introduction • The University power plant has the opportunity to cut fuel costs, decrease air emissions and provide support for a local industry through the burning of biomass.
Background • Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids uses large quantities of oats in the production of breakfast cereals. • Two viable biomass fuels result: resifil and oat hulls. • University of Iowa’s Boiler 11 is well suited to burn these fuels.
Background • After discussions with Quaker, the decision was made to conduct a biomass test burn, making as few operational and equipment changes as was feasibly possible to minimize costs.
Background • Received approval from IDNR for a 90-day trial burn using existing coal silo and fuel handling equipment. • Planned to test both oat hulls and resifil in Blr. 11. • IDNR approval required stack testing at five different coal/biomass fuel blends.
Biomass Trial Burn • Began 90-day trial burn on July 16, blending resifil with coal. • Experimented with fuel blends up to 50% resifil. • Very positive results, however began to see boiler operational problems above 40% resifil.
Biomass Trial Burn • Conducted stack testing for PM, CO and VOC’s on July 31, August 2 and August 5. CEMS used to monitor SO2 and NOx.
Summary of Results • PM decreased with increasing resifil • CO decreased with increasing resifil • VOC’s decreased with increasing resifil
Summary of Results • SO2 increased with increasing resifil but is controllable. • NOx increased at highest biomass blend ratio but boiler modifications will correct this.
Oat Hulls • Prior to start of trial burn it was determined that oat hulls would not flow through existing coal silo. • Requested and were granted IDNR approval to build separate biomass silo for the trial burn.
Oat Hulls • Experience gained during resifil testing showed that burning oat hulls with the current fuel feed system would cause serious fuel feeding problems. • Need fuel feed modifications!
Where are we now? • Continuing to burn resifil until end of 90 day period. • Oat hulls not yet tested - need fuel system modifications. • Biomass silo installed but not yet tested. • Resifil burning very successful.
Where are we going? • Boiler 11 outage October 11. Fuel system modifications are being planned during outage. • Need to test oat hulls before biomass permit application can be submitted. • Need IDNR conditional approval to make fuel feed system changes to Boiler 11.
Where are we going? • Need to extend biomass trial burn period - would like to continue burning biomass throughout permitting process. • Will seek Governor’s exemption from PSD.
