The Formation of Aerosols During the Co-combustion of Coal and Biomass

Ange Nzihou (1) , B. R. Stanmore (2)

1 RAPSODEE - Centre de recherche d'Albi en génie des procédés des solides divisés, de l'énergie et de l'environnement
2 UQ [All campuses : Brisbane, Dutton Park Gatton, Herston, St Lucia and other locations] - The University of Queensland

The global drive to lessen the emission of greenhouse gases in the power industry has seen an increase in the co-combustion of coal with various types of biomass. The practice ``represent possibly the best (cheapest and lowest risk) renewable energy option for many power producers''. Most reviews of the practice cite environmental benefits coupled with satisfactory technological performance. One environmental aspect which has been virtually ignored is the formation and release of ultra-fine aerosol particles, which have a damaging effect on the respiratory system. The emission of respirable aerosols during the combustion of both coal and biomass has received considerable attention, but there is little information available for the combustion of their mixture. The available evidence, reviewed here, indicates that the extent of their formation is increased by co-combustion, due to the high ash and sulphur content of coals, and the high alkali metal content of biomass.

Mots clés: Co-combustion; Alkali metals; Aerosols; Biomass; Coal

Domaines: Génie des procédés; Génie chimique

Ange Nzihou, B. R. Stanmore. The Formation of Aerosols During the Co-combustion of Coal and Biomass. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2015, 6 (6), pp.947-957. ⟨10.1007/s12649-015-9390-3⟩. ⟨hal-01632391⟩