Time-Dependent Layer Formation on K-Feldspar Bed Particles during Fluidized Bed Combustion of Woody Fuels

Despite frequent reports on layer characteristics on quartz bed particles, few studies have focused on the layer characteristics of K-feldspar bed particles. The layer characteristics of K-feldspar bed particles were therefore investigated by collecting bed material samples of different ages from fluidized bed combustion of woody fuels in large-scale bubbling and circulating fluidized bed facilities. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy was used to analyze the layer morphology and elemental composition. Bed particles aged 1 day displayed a thin layer rich in Si, Ca, and Al. Inner layers had a more homogeneous composition than the outer layers, which instead were more heterogeneous and sometimes contained discernible fuel ash particles. The outer layer was thinner for K-feldspar bed particles sampled from circulating fluidized bed, as compared to particles from bubbling fluidized bed. The concentration of Ca in the inner layer increases toward the bed particle surface, the molar ratio of Si/Al is maintained, and the molar ratio of K/Al decreases as compared to the K-feldspar. The inner layer thickness for quartz and K-feldspar bed particles collected at the same operation conditions was found to be similar. No crack layers, as have been observed in quartz particles, were found in the core of the K-feldspar bed particles. The results suggest that the diffusion and reaction of Ca2+ into/with the feldspar particle play an important role in the inner layer formation process.