Effect of Oxy-Firing on Fireside Corrosion

Using oxygen, rather than air, in coal-fired boilers has been studied for several years as a strategy to reduce NO_x and concentrate CO₂ for capture.  In combination with flue gas recirculation, higher levels of CO₂, H₂O and likely SO₂ are expected.   In order to understand the role of substrate composition on corrosion, a combination of commercial and model alloys are being investigated both with and without the presence of synthetic coal ash.  The current project is focusing on ferritic steels but rates will be compared with austenitic steels, Ni-base alloys, and potential coating compositions.