BI-TUM

Solutions for controlling ash behaviour and emissions in bio- and waste-fired boilers (BI-TUM)

Duration: 1.1.2019-31.3.2021

Funding: The Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo (EAKR), Sumitomo FW, Riikinvoima, Savon Voima, Stora Enso, Clean Steel, Andritz and Järvikylä

Utilization of renewable biomasses and waste fuels in energy production boilers has been growing continuously in the recent years. However, moving into high biofuel contents and the use of low-grade biomasses and waste fuels cause challenges related to fouling, combustion process operation, ash disposal and emissions at the boiler plants. In Eastern Finland area, there are many companies, which need information and knowhow related to these issues. Information is needed e.g. on factors affecting slagging and agglomeration of bed sand, requirements on emission control technologies and ash properties and utilization. This project utilizes the versatile experimental, measurement and analysis capabilities of Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Savonia) and University of Eastern Finland (UEF) for understanding the ash and emission related problems of biomass and waste combustion plants, and develops solutions for these problems. In this project, the pilot-scale fluidized bed reactor of Savonia will be used for combustion experiments of different biomasses and wastes. In the pilot-scale experiments, fuel behavior will be investigated and flue gas emissions measured with different fuels. Based on the results, the compliance of emission control needs with respect to legislative limits will be assessed. The composition of boiler deposit samples, bed ash samples and different ash fraction samples collected from pilot-scale reactor and power plants will be analyzed to identify reasons for slagging and bed agglomeration, and to assess possibilities for utilization of different ash fractions. The project promotes low-carbon society by promoting the use of the renewable biomasses and wastes in the energy production. The project provides new knowledge from the use of different renewable fuels and provides solutions to the problems related to their use. In addition, the project strengthens co operations between the research and development facilities of Savonia and UEF.

For more information: Assoc. Prof. Olli Sippula, tel. +358 40 355 3397, olli.sippula(at)uef.fi