Experimental study on combustion characteristics of Bambusa tulda and petcoke at varying blending ratios

The efficient utilization of petroleum coke blended with biomass in energy systems requires a comprehensive understanding of the combustion process. This study investigates the combustion behavior of single particles, focusing on the effects of different blending ratios and particle sizes on combustion time, flame characteristics, mass degradation profiles, ignition mass flux, surface area-to-volume ratio, and ash characteristics. Volatile combustion contributes to 70–80 % of the total mass loss. However, when the petcoke content exceeds 40 wt%, mass conversion drops below 50 %. This reduction is primarily due to the low volatile matter, high density, and high fixed carbon content of petcoke. During volatile combustion, the ignition mass flux increases with rising petcoke content. Surface area-to-volume ratio analysis reveals that combustion time decreases as this ratio increases, as a higher ratio enhances the coupling between heat and mass transfer, which is crucial for particle conversion. Additionally, blending petcoke with B. tulda exhibits a synergistic effect, significantly reducing potassium content and sulphur levels in ash residues. This reduction minimizes ash deposition, corrosion, and slagging issues, resulting in cleaner emissions, improved combustion efficiency, and enhanced environmental outcomes.