Review on slagging evaluation methods of biomass fuel combustion

Combustion is the most direct way for biomass utilization. However, biomass combustion is easy to cause boiler deposition and corrosion. This affects the safe operation of the boiler and reduces the combustion efficiency of the boiler heating surface. Therefore, predicting the slagging tendency of biomass combustion is of guiding significance for fuel selection, promotion, improvement of slagging tendency and improvement of boiler combustion efficiency. In this study, different slag evaluation methods such as ash observational method, experimental determination method and theoretical calculation method were evaluated and compared. The different factors (such as fuel combustion temperature, viscosity, compressive strength, particle size, ash composition, and sediment characteristics) of slag evaluation methods for biomass fuels were also analyzed and evaluated. The advantages and disadvantages of each method were evaluated based on economy, operability, accuracy, and efficiency. The ash observational method was efficient, intuitive, and economical, but the accuracy needed to be improved. The experimental determination method was accurate and highly recognized, but it was limited by equipment and funds. The theoretical calculation method was convenient, fast, and economical, but the scope of application was limited, and the accuracy of theoretical calculation needed to be verified by experimental tests. Finally, the trend and future perspective in the slagging evaluated research field of biomass fuels were also discussed. These results are important for promoting the effective application of biomass fuel.