Pilot-scale combustion studies with kraft lignin as a solid biofuel

Paper in proceeding, 2008

Processing of kraft lignin precipitated from black liquor to produce a solid biofuel with high energy density and low ash content has been developed in research programs by STFI-Packforsk and partners. In preparation for full-scale combustion trials, tests were carried out on pilot scale in a 150 kW powder burner and in a 12 MWfluidized bed (CFB) boiler. Lignin powder could be fired in a powder burner with good combustion performance after some trimming of the airflows to reduce swirl. Lignin dried to 10 % moisture content was easy to feed smoothly and had less bridging tendencies in the feeding system than wood/bark powder. In the CFB boiler lignin was easily handled and co-fired together with bark. Although the filter cake was broken into smaller pieces and fines the combustion was not disturbed. When co-firing lignin with bark, the sulfur emission increased compared to bark firing only, but most of the sulfur was captured by calcium in the bark ash. Conventional sulfur capture with addition of limestone to the bed was also demonstrated. The sulfur content in the lignin had a significantly positive effect on reducing the alkali chloride content in the deposits, thus reducing the high temperature corrosion risk.