Coal slurry fuel technology

Abstract

Abstract Volatile oil markets experienced in the seventies have promoted renewed interest in coal‐based fuel technologies. Coal‐slurry fuels have emerged as viable technical alternatives for oil and gas in utility and industrial boilers. Despite current low prices and the abundance of oil, concerns over its long‐term availability and price, as well as strategic considerations, make coal‐slurry technology attractive. Initially, coal‐slurry fuels were based on coal‐oil mixtures, now the emphasis is largely on coal‐water fuels. This review assesses the status of the relevant technology. It covers the preparation of coal‐slurry fuels, slurry properties, combustion characteristics, emissions, current applications and concludes with their future outlook.