Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Development of a total Ash Quality Index and an Ash Quality Label: Comparative analysis of slagging/fouling potential of solid biofuels

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Biomass combustion generates considerable amounts of ash that are related to slagging/fouling problems in combustors. Numerous indices have been proposed in the literature for the evaluation of slagging/fouling tendencies. This paper is focused on the characterization of various biomass ashes in terms of their slagging/fouling tendency. For this purpose, the chemical composition of ash samples from fourteen solid biofuels (and a lignite sample as a reference) was analyzed by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, ion chromatography and elemental analysis. Modification/normalization of the available ash indices was performed by taking into account not only the chemical composition of the ash but also the Gross Calorific Value of the fuels and the amount of the produced ash. Two versatile tools were developed, a total Ash Quality Index (tAQI) and an Ash Quality Label (AQL), in order to express the information derived from various indices with a single number or letter. The modified indices result in different characterization from the unmodified ones and lead to a more objective/fair evaluation of the slagging/fouling tendency. The comparison of large number of indices of large number of samples is enabled via the tAQI and the AQL. Samples with a tAQL ≤ 1 belong to class ‘A’ (low slagging/fouling problems) while samples with a tAQL > 6 belong to class ‘G’ (extremely high tendency to slagging/fouling problems). The tAQI and AQL are a novel concept for the categorization and labeling of solid biofuels regarding their slagging/fouling tendency and could contribute to the waste/biomass residue market for energy proposes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

Not applicable.

References

  • ASTM International (2015) ASTM D 7582-15 Standard Test Methods for Proximate Analysis of Coal and Coke by Macro Thermogravimetric Analysis. ASTM International, West Conshohocken PA

  • Bapat DW, Kulkarni SV, Bhandarkar VP (1997) Design and operating experience on fluidized bed boiler burning biomass fuels with high alkali ash. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York, NY (United States), United States

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunner PH, Rechberger H (2015) Waste to energy – key element for sustainable waste management. Waste Manag 37:3–12

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cai Y, Tay K, Zheng Z, Yang W, Wang H, Zeng G, Li Z, Keng Boon S, Subbaiah P (2018) Modeling of ash formation and deposition processes in coal and biomass fired boilers: A comprehensive review. Appl Energy 230:1447–1544

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen C, Bi Y, Huang Y, Huang H (2021) Review on slagging evaluation methods of biomass fuel combustion. J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 155:105082

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Du S, Yang H, Qian K, Wang X, Chen H (2014) Fusion and transformation properties of the inorganic components in biomass ash. Fuel 117:1281–1287

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Maraver A, Mata-Sanchez J, Carpio M, Perez-Jimenez JA (2017) Critical review of predictive coefficients for biomass ash deposition tendency. J Energy Inst 90:214–228

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • García R, Pizarro C, Álvarez A, Lavín AG, Bueno JL (2015) Study of biomass combustion wastes. Fuel 148:152–159

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gu W, Liu D, Wang C (2021) Energy recovery potential from incineration using municipal solid waste based on multi-scenario analysis in Beijing. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28:27119–27131

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hein KRG (1995) Operational problems, trace emissions and by-product management for industrial biomass cocombustion. JOR3-CT95 0057, https://cordis.europa.eu/docs/projects/files/JOR/JOR3950057/47698251-6_en.pdf. Accessed 2021-02-01

  • Iordanidis A, Asvesta A, Kapageridis I, Vasileiadou A, Koios K, Oikonomidis S, Kantiranis N (2020) A comprehensive analytical characterization of Greek lignite Bottom ash samples. Therm Sci 25:1879–1888

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ISO (1992) ISO 10304-1:1992 Water quality — Determination of dissolved fluoride, chloride, nitrite, orthophosphate, bromide, nitrate and sulfate ions, using liquid chromatography of ions — Part 1: Method for water with low contamination. https://www.iso.org/. Accessed 2020-12-01

  • Kamarehie B, Jafari A, Ghaderpoori M, Azimi F, Faridan M, Sharafi K, Ahmadi F, Karami MA (2020) Qualitative and quantitative analysis of municipal solid waste in Iran for implementation of best waste management practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27:37514–37526

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kleinhans U, Wieland C, Frandsen FJ, Spliethoff H (2018) Ash formation and deposition in coal and biomass fired combustion systems: Progress and challenges in the field of ash particle sticking and rebound behavior. Prog Energy Combust Sci 68:65–168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu H, Feng Y, Wu S, Liu D (2009) The role of ash particles in the bed agglomeration during the fluidized bed combustion of rice straw. Bioresour Technol 100:6505–6513

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu H, Wang Y, Zhao S, Hu H, Cao C, Li A, Yu Y, Yao H (2020) Review on the Current Status of the Co-combustion Technology of Organic Solid Waste (OSW) and Coal in China. Energy Fuels 34:15448–15487

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sv Loo, Koppejan J (2008) The Handbook of Biomass Combustion and Co-Firing. Earthscan, UK

  • Magdziarz A, Gajek M, Nowak-Woźny D, Wilk M (2018) Mineral phase transformation of biomass ashes – Experimental and thermochemical calculations. Renew Energy 128:446–459

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Medina-Mijangos R, De Andrés A, Guerrero-Garcia-Rojas H, Seguí-Amórtegui L (2021) A methodology for the technical-economic analysis of municipal solid waste systems based on social cost-benefit analysis with a valuation of externalities. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28:18807–18825

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miles TR, Miles J, T R, Baxter LL, Bryers RW, Jenkins BM, Oden LL (1995) Alkali deposits found in biomass power plants: A preliminary investigation of their extent and nature. Volume 1. NREL/TP-433-8142-Vol.1; SAND-96-8225-Vol.1; Other: ON: DE96007897; TRN: AHC29614%%16 United States https://doi.org/10.2172/251288 Other: ON: DE96007897; TRN: AHC29614%%16 OSTI as DE96007897 NREL English; National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States); Miles (Thomas R.), Portland, OR (United States); Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (United States); Foster Wheeler Development Corp., Livingston, NJ (United States); California Univ., Davis, CA (United States); Bureau of Mines, Albany, OR (United States). Albany Research Center

  • Morey GKF, Bowen N (1930) The ternary system K2O-CaO-SiO2. J Soc Glass Technol 14:149–87

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Niu Y, Tan H, Se Hui (2016) Ash-related issues during biomass combustion: Alkali-induced slagging, silicate melt-induced slagging (ash fusion), agglomeration, corrosion, ash utilization, and related countermeasures. Prog Energy Combust Sci 52:1–61

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Öhman M, Nordin A, Skrifvars B-J, Backman R, Hupa M (2000) Bed Agglomeration Characteristics during Fluidized Bed Combustion of Biomass Fuels. Energy Fuels 14:169–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Öhman M, Boman C, Hedman H, Nordin A, Boström D (2004) Slagging tendencies of wood pellet ash during combustion in residential pellet burners. Biomass Bioenergy 27:585–596

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pronobis M (2005) Evaluation of the influence of biomass co-combustion on boiler furnace slagging by means of fusibility correlations. Biomass Bioenergy 28:375–383

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pronobis M (2006) The influence of biomass co-combustion on boiler fouling and efficiency. Fuel 85:474–480

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson ABL, Junker H, Shaddix C, Freeman M, James R, Dayton D (1998) Fireside Issues Associated with Coal-Biomass Cofiring. December 1998, NREL/TP-570-25767, National Renewable Energy Laboratory US department of Energy (NREL). https://p2infohouse.org/ref/19/18953.pdf. Accessed 2021-02-01

  • Rodríguez JL, Álvarez X, Valero E, Ortiz L, Ndl Torre-Rodríguez, Acuña-Alonso C (2020) Design of solid biofuels blends to minimize the risk of sintering in biomass boilers. J Energy Inst 93:2409–2414

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosendahl L (2013) Biomass Combustion Science, Technology and Engineering, 1st Edition. In: Lasse R (ed.) Woodhead Publishing Limited (Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy No. 40), Denmark, 302, p 131–4

  • Ruscio A, Kazanc F, Levendis YA (2016) Comparison of fine ash emissions generated from biomass and coal combustion and valuation of predictive furnace deposition indices: A review. J Energy Eng 142. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EY.1943-7897.0000310

  • Salour D, Jenkins BM, Vafaei M, Kayhanian M (1993) Control of in-bed agglomeration by fuel blending in a pilot scale straw and wood fueled AFBC. Biomass Bioenergy 4:117–133

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shi R, Li J, Jiang J, Mehmood K, Liu Y, Xu R, Qian W (2017) Characteristics of biomass ashes from different materials and their ameliorative effects on acid soils. J Environ Sci 55:294–302

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simms NJ, Kilgallon PJ, Oakey JE (2007) Degradation of heat exchanger materials under biomass co-firing conditions. Mater High Temp 24:333–342

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Texas Department of Transportation (2005) Test Procedure for DETERMINING CHLORIDE AND SULFATE CONTENTS IN SOIL, Tex-620-J, LAST REVIEWED: OCTOBER 2014, pp. 1–11. https://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cst/TMS/600-J_series/pdfs/chm620.pdf. Accessed 2020-10-1

  • Tortosa Masiá AA, Buhre BJP, Gupta RP, Wall TF (2007) Characterising ash of biomass and waste. Fuel Process Technol 88:1071–1081

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vasileiadou A, Zoras S, Dimoudi A, Iordanidis A, Evagelopoulos V (2020) Compost of Biodegradable Municipal Solid Waste as a Fuel in Lignite Co-combustion. Environ Res Eng Manag 76:60–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vasileiadou A, Zoras S, Iordanidis A (2021) Biofuel potential of compost-like output from municipal solid waste: Multiple analyses of its seasonal variation and blends with lignite. Energy 236:121457

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vasileiadou A, Zoras S, Iordanidis A (2021) Fuel Quality Index and Fuel Quality Label: Two versatile tools for the objective evaluation of biomass/wastes with application in sustainable energy practices. Environ Technol Innov 23:101739

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vasileiadou A, Zoras S, Iordanidis A (2021c) Bioenergy production from olive oil mill solid wastes and their blends with lignite: thermal characterization, kinetics, thermodynamic analysis, and several scenarios for sustainable practices. Biomass Convers Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-021-01518-6

  • Vassilev SV, Baxter D, Vassileva CG (2014) An overview of the behaviour of biomass during combustion: Part II. Ash fusion and ash formation mechanisms of biomass types. Fuel 117:152–183

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vassilev SV, Vassileva CG, Vassilev VS (2015) Advantages and disadvantages of composition and properties of biomass in comparison with coal: An overview. Fuel 158:330–350

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Visser HJM (2004) Influence of fuel composition on agglomeration behaviour in fluidised-bed combustion/gasification of biomass. ECN Biomass publisher, Report Number ECN-C--04-054. 44 p., url: https://publicaties.ecn.nl/PdfFetch.aspx?nr=ECN-C--04-054. Accessed 2020-10-1

  • Werther J, Saenger M, Hartge EU, Ogada T, Siagi Z (2000) Combustion of agricultural residues. Prog Energy Combust Sci 26:1–27

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilcox S, Babcock G (1992) Steam: Its generation and use, 42th edition. In: Kitto JB, Stultz SC (eds.). The Babcock & Wilcox Company, Barberton OH, p 468,

  • Wong S, Mah AXY, Nordin AH, Nyakuma BB, Ngadi N, Mat R, Amin NAS, Ho WS, Lee TH (2020) Emerging trends in municipal solid waste incineration ashes research: a bibliometric analysis from 1994 to 2018. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27:7757–7784

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu LY, Wang LW, Li PS (2014) Study on prediction models of biomass ash softening temperature based on ash composition. J Energy Inst 87:215–219

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang L, Su X, Zhang Z, Liu S, Xiao Y, Sun M, Su J (2014) Characterization of fly ash from a circulating fluidized bed incinerator of municipal solid waste. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21:12767–12779

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang M, Buekens A, Li X (2018) Characterising boiler ash from a circulating fluidised bed municipal solid waste incinerator and distribution of PCDD/F and PCB. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25:22775–22789

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Lemonidou Angeliki and Mrs Ntampou Xanthi for assistance with ultimate analysis.

Funding

This research is co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Social Fund- ESF) through the Operational Programme «Human Resources Development. Education and Lifelong Learning» in the context of the project ‘Strengthening Human Resources Research Potential via Doctorate Research’ (MIS-5000432), implemented by the State Scholarships Foundation (ΙΚΥ).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100, Xanthi, Greece

    Agapi Vasileiadou & Stamatis Zoras

  2. Department of Mineral Resources Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100, Kozani, Greece

    Agapi Vasileiadou & Andreas Iordanidis

  3. Department of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Lamprini Papadopoulou

Authors
  1. Agapi Vasileiadou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lamprini Papadopoulou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Stamatis Zoras
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Andreas Iordanidis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

AV involved in conceptualization, investigation, methodology, data curation, interpretation, validation, formal analysis, performed the measurement, writing—original draft, writing—review & editing, visualization; LP took part in methodology and performed the measurement; SZ involved in writing—review & editing, and supervision; AI involved in writing—review & editing, and supervision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Agapi Vasileiadou or Stamatis Zoras.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Philippe Garrigues

Publisher's note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Highlights

• Development of a total novel Ash Quality Index (tAQI) for comparing solid fuel ashes.

• Development of an Ash Quality Label (AQL) for classification of solid fuel ashes.

• Normalized values of ash indices kg/GJ were used for the tAQI and AQL development.

• Evaluation of slagging / fouling characteristics of several agricultural residues.

• Characterization of agricultural residues ashes from Greece was performed

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 24 KB)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Vasileiadou, A., Papadopoulou, L., Zoras, S. et al. Development of a total Ash Quality Index and an Ash Quality Label: Comparative analysis of slagging/fouling potential of solid biofuels. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29, 42647–42663 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-18225-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-18225-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation