Utilisation of lignite fines through pelletization
Student name: Mr Deepak Verma
Guide: Dr Shilpa Jain Surana
Year of completion: 2013
Host Organisation: Raj WestPower Ltd.
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Giri Mallesha
Abstract: Thermal power generation plant is the most conventional source of power generator. When
coal is used to generate power, it is usually pulverised to the size 6mm and then burn in
furnace with boiler. Furnace heat converts water to steam, which is then used to spin turbine
which turn coupled generator and produce power. In between this process, amount of coal is
being waste due to heavy wind blow and mix with scrap. Pelletization is a particle
enlargement process, in which tumbling of moist fines in drum, or discs device lead the
formation of pellet. Through this process we can save the coal and utilise it completely. By
this way we can save some cost and protect environment as well as health of the machines
and employees also.
The process of making coal pellets are subjected to mechanical force. The technology used
for making pellet is Grate-kiln. This study involve preparing Pellet samples by mixing coal
with water and some binder were used to analyse the parameters like density, moisture
content, burning quality, volatile matter, and percentage of ash. Air ambient quality test were
monitored to analyse the pollution level at site by ambient fine dust sampler. On the basis of
the sample results, vendors of the pellet plant were invited for the bidding process. On the
basis of the quotation by the vendors, internal rate of return, breakeven point and debt
service coverage ratio has analysed.
Quantitative results are shown for the lignite pellet samples analysis, ambient air quality
(PM10) analysis, and financial analysis. Lignite pallet sample analysis includes two sections.
First, the formation of the pellet sample, which include the quantity of raw material required
to mix with water as well as binder. Second is the analysis of samples parameters to know
about the individual success rate of pellet. Air ambient quality is carried out by placing the
air fine dust sampler machine at different locations at site. Machine was placed for 480
minutes to carry out the analysis. On the basis of the quotation of vendors, financial
parameters were analysed to know which quotation is giving how much profit for the
company.
All analysis indicates that pelletization process is a successful process for the thermal power
plant. Missing of binder like, cow dung, in the coal could increase the gross calorific value of
the fuel which also increases the heating rate. By increase in the heat rate of the fuel coal
consumption can be reduce i.e. using less coal we can generate more power. It would also
improve efficiency of the boiler thus better efficiency of the power can be achieved.
