Pulverized fuel and efficient steam generation. Detailed consideration of the performance of pulverized fuel as compared with mechanical stoking under the most modern conditions

The paper is a detailed consideration of the latest developments in the use of pulverized coal for steam generation, and a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of this method of firing as compared with mechanical stoking, in each case under the latest improved conditions and more particularly as applied to very large power-station boiler plants. Since the starting up in December, 1920, of the pioneer large installation, Lakeside, Milwaukee. (40,000 kW on Lopulco pulverized fuel), the progress made in the United States has been remarkable, and approximately. 3 500 000 tons of pulverized coal per annum will shortly be burnt under water-tube boilers. The paper contains a full account of the Lakeside station, particularly the exact working costs, whilst a description is also given of the River Rouge plant at Dearborn, Detroit, as representatives of modern pulverized-fuel practice. For comparison, a similar account is given of the Dalmarnock power station, Glasgow, characteristic of the best British mechanical stoker practice. The author is of the opinion that the advantages in the aggregate of pulverized fuel are so great that they constitute almost a revolution in steam-boiler practice. The paper also contains a large amount of general statistical matter.