LAUSR

The present study aims to identify the optimal process parameters to maximize the Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient for preparation of coal-water slurry used for gasifier in power plants. For this purpose, a jacketed vessel is designed with radial flow (rushton) and axial flow (propeller) impellers to prepare the coal-water slurry. Experiments have been conducted using L9 orthogonal array for Impeller speed (N), ratio of clearance height with diameter of tank (C/T) and ratio of slurry height with tank diameter (Z/T) parameters at three different levels for designed jacketed vessel. The best ranking is arranged in ascending order for propeller Z/T ratio, impeller speed and C/T ratio, for rushton impeller speed, Z/T ratio and C/T ratio. Statistical analysis reveals the percentage contribution of parameters for maximize of heat transfer coefficient in descending order in propeller Z/T ratio (64%), impeller speed (34.92%) and C/T ratio (1.07%), for rushton impeller speed (60.08%), Z/T ratio (36.86%) and C/T ratio (2.48%).