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Flow field measurements of pulverized coal combustion using optical diagnostic techniques

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Abstract

This paper demonstrates the application of laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques to a particle-laden reacting flow of pulverized coal. A laboratory-scale open-type annular burner is utilized to generate velocity profiles of coal particles and micrometric alumina particles. Pair-wise two-component LDV measurements and high-speed stereo PIV measurements provide three-dimensional velocity components of the flow field. A detailed comparison of velocities for alumina and coal particle seeding revealed differences attributed to the wide size distribution of coal particles. In addition, the non-spherical shape and high flame luminosity associated with coal particle combustion introduces noise to the Mie scatter images. The comparison of mean and RMS velocities measured by LDV and PIV techniques showed that PIV measurements are affected by the wide size distribution of coal particles, whereas LDV measurements become biased toward the velocity of small particles, as signals from large particles are rejected. This small-particle bias is also reflected in the spectral characteristics for both techniques, which are in good agreement within the range of frequencies accessible. PIV measurements showed an expected lack of response of large coal particles to the turbulence fluctuations. The overall good agreement between LDV and PIV measurements demonstrates the applicability of the high-speed PIV technique to a particle-laden, high luminosity coal flame while highlighting some of its limitations.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Prof. M. Pourkashanian, Prof. A. Hayhurst, Dr. S. Scott for their valuable guidance on coal handling and Dr W. Nimmo for the supply of coal samples. This work is supported by EPSRC research grant (#EP/G062153/1).

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  1. Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK

    Saravanan Balusamy, Alexander Schmidt & Simone Hochgreb

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  1. Saravanan Balusamy
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  2. Alexander Schmidt
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  3. Simone Hochgreb
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Correspondence to Saravanan Balusamy.

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Balusamy, S., Schmidt, A. & Hochgreb, S. Flow field measurements of pulverized coal combustion using optical diagnostic techniques. Exp Fluids 54, 1534 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-013-1534-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-013-1534-2

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