An Evaluation of the Losses and Costs Associated with Coal versus Natural Gas Firing at a North Carolina Textile Finishing Plant

ABSTRACT A detailed study has been conducted to compare the overall boiler operating cost of coal versus natural gas firing. For this purpose, an analysis of the parasitic losses and costs of a current boiler operation is given. The results of this study show that it is important to consider both the apparent and hidden costs of boiler operation, and to look beyond fuel cost when making decisions of whether to fire coal or natural gas.