DryFiningTM named project of the year
Great River Energy was recognized for an innovation that will make power plants cleaner and more efficient when Power Engineering magazine named the cooperative’s DryFiningTM process its best coal-fired project of the year in December.
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DryFining improves fuel quality by simultaneously drying and refining lignite coal. Lignite is used to generate electricity at many power plants throughout the world; however, it is considered a low-rank coal, due in part to its high moisture content. |
DryFining’s benefits are the result of a drying and segregation system. Waste heat from the plant is used to dry coal while lignite particles are separated by density.
Higher density compounds, or those containing higher concentrations of sulfur and mercury, are removed from the coal stream prior to combustion. By removing heavier particles, fewer emissions are produced.
The coal drying component of DryFining reduces the moisture content from approximately 38.5 percent to 29.5 percent, which increases the energy content from 6,250 to 7,100 Btus per pound.
The DryFining project began nearly 13 years ago when plant engineers sought ways to control emissions and improve plant efficiency. Rather than simply installing emissions control equipment, engineers decided to explore ways to improve fuel quality.
The DryFining process was installed at Great River Energy’s Coal Creek Station power plant in 2009. The technology is being considered by power plants throughout the world.
Find more news by reading the January edition of Great River News.
