Effect of CaO additive on formation of PM2.5 under O2/CO2 atmosphere during coal combustion

Abstract-The influence of CaO additive on the emission characteristics of PM2.5 (particulates with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5μm) was studied with a tube furnace. The combustion tests were carried out at 1123K under O₂/CO₂ atmosphere. The PM2.5 generated from coal combustion was collected and analyzed with an Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI). The results indicate that CaO is an important factor for the formation of PM25 during coal combustion under O₂/CO₂ atmosphere. The number and mass concentrations of PMι diminish, but the number and mass concentrations of PMι.ι.δ enhance slightly after CaO is added. The size distributions of PM25 are similar, which display two peaks around 0.2μm and 2.0μm, respectively. With increasing the additive weight ratio of CaO, the concentrations of S, Pb, Cu, Na and K decrease. The submicron-size ash particles smaller than 0.317μm are formed via nucleation of vaporized ash components, and the supermicron-size ash particles are formed by coagulation and coalescence of the submicron-size ash, and fragmentation and coalescence of mineral matter.