LAUSR

Abstract This study reports the results of a detailed analysis of 203 samples of bioliquid used as a substitute for heavy fuel oil in oil-fired power plants. Bioliquid is a mixture of various vegetable oils, animal fats and its byproducts. The heating value of bioliquid is approximately the same as that of heavy fuel oil; however, bioliquid has significantly less N and S components and exhibits better combustion reactivity. For a commercial electricity generation, demonstration tests firing bioliquid in 75, 90, and 100 MW oil-fired boilers were conducted, and the results were compared with those obtained by firing heavy fuel oil. Further, the impacts of bioliquid fuel characteristics on combustion and boiler operation were also investigated. During the bioliquid firing, the heat absorption in the furnace decreased and the furnace exit gas temperature increased in comparison to the heavy fuel oil firing. No serious problems occurred in the boiler operation, and NOx and SOx emissions remarkably decreased. With minor modifications on the fuel transfer system and atomization devices, bioliquid could successfully replace heavy fuel oil in the existing oil-fired boilers. The limited values for 18 fuel properties of bioliquid are suggested by considering the stable boiler operation and environmental safety.