Spatial distributions of O2, CO2 and SO2 in a pilot-scale fluidized bed combustor operated with different coals

Axial concentration profiles of O₂, CO₂ and SO₂ have been measured at different radial positions in a coal-fired fluidized bed combustor. The profiles show some spatial inhomogeneity in the bed, the degree of which depends on fluidizing velocity and amount of excess air. Comparison of SO₂- with CO₂-concentration profiles reveals that SO₂ is formed in proportion to CO₂ only with anthracite as fuel. With bituminous coals, SO₂ is preferentially formed near the coal feed point. These results are discussed with regard to characteristic times of mixing and chemical reaction in fluidized beds, and SO₂-formation characteristics of the employed coals obtained in a thermobalance.