Influence of biomass on coal combustion based on thermogravimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

The blending of coal with biomass can lead to synergistic combustion behaviors. The combustion profile of two biomass sources, two coals and subsequent blends was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Ignition and burnout performances were identified and calculated from thermal curves. The comprehensive combustion performance index S was calculated from the thermogravimetric curves. CO 2 and CO concentrations were also studied via on-line analysis of TG–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that complicated chemical processes took place when coal was combusted with biomass, as compared with coal or biomass only. The lower ignition temperatures and higher volatility of biomass significantly improve the combustion behavior of coal. However, when biomass content in the blends exceeded 10 %, ignition and burnout performances were minimally affected. The combustion index S appears to give a more comprehensive description of the combustion process. The results from CO/CO 2 ratio also support the combustion behavior for the blending of coal and biomass. For this study, the addition of 10 % of biomass would be the optimum recommended combustion ratios for coal and biomass blends.