Advantages of switching coal-burning power plants to coal-water slurries containing petrochemicals

Abstract Enterprises from chemical, oil-processing, transport, energy, and other industries are struggling to reduce their negative environmental impact without sacrificing the profit. The main negative impact comes from the anthropogenic emissions (NO x , SO x , CO 2 , and fly ash) from the combustion of coal, oil products, and other fuels. Coal is regarded as the most environmentally hazardous one. An advanced solution to the environmental problems of coal-burning enterprises is switching from coal to fuel slurries containing water and waste flammable liquids. These are known as coal-water slurries (CWS) or coal-water slurries containing petrochemicals (CWSP). In this research, we analyze all the main strengths and weaknesses of high-potential CWS and CWSP fuels as compared to coal. For the evaluation we use such indicators as heat of combustion and fuel consumption; anthropogenic emissions and ash residue; maximum combustion temperature; minimum ignition temperatures; ignition delay times; cost of components; feasibility indicators of storage, transportation, and combustion of fuels; fire and explosion safety. We also introduce a complex parameter to consider the contribution of all the above indicators. The research findings are consolidated with due consideration of high-potential components for CWSP fuels, their properties and concentrations.