What equipment can be used to process coal powder for thermal power?

Processing coal powder for thermal power generation typically involves several pieces of equipment to ensure efficient and reliable operations. The process generally includes coal grinding, drying, and combustion. Here are some of the essential equipment used in the coal powder processing for thermal power plants:

1. Coal Crusher: Coal is often received in large chunks or lumps, and a crusher is used to reduce the size of the coal to a more manageable form. This is essential for efficient combustion and proper functioning of the coal handling system.
2. Pulverizer/Mill: After crushing the coal, it is further ground into a fine powder known as coal pulverization or pulverized coal. A pulverizer or mill is used for this purpose. The two most common types are ball mills and vertical roller mills.
3. Coal Drying Equipment: Prior to combustion, coal needs to be dried to remove moisture content. Excess moisture in coal can reduce its calorific value and efficiency during combustion. Various types of coal drying equipment such as rotary dryers or fluidized bed dryers are used for this purpose.
4. Coal Conveyors: These are used to transport coal from one stage of processing to another. Conveyors help in the efficient movement of coal and reduce the risk of coal dust explosion during handling.
5. Combustion Chamber/Boiler: The pulverized coal is injected into the combustion chamber or boiler, where it is burned to produce high-pressure steam. The steam is then used to turn a turbine connected to a generator, generating electricity.
6. Ash Handling System: After coal combustion, the leftover ash, known as fly ash and bottom ash, needs to be collected and transported away from the combustion area. This is done through an ash handling system, which can include equipment like ash hoppers, conveyors, and ash silos.
7. Air Preheater and Economizer: These components help improve the efficiency of the power plant by preheating the incoming combustion air and utilizing waste heat from the flue gas to heat the boiler feedwater, respectively.
8. Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) or Baghouse: To control air pollution, coal-fired power plants use an ESP or baghouse to capture and remove particulate matter (fly ash) from the flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere.
9. Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) System: FGD systems are used to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the flue gas to reduce emissions of sulfur compounds that cause acid rain.
10. Cooling Systems: Thermal power plants require cooling systems to condense the steam back into water after it has passed through the turbine. This process allows the steam to be reused in the boiler.

These are some of the primary equipment used in the coal powder processing for thermal power generation. The specific configuration and type of equipment may vary depending on the size of the power plant, its technology, and environmental regulations. Additionally, power plants might incorporate other advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.