ABSTRACT

An increasingly stringent and uncertain regulatory environment and falling natural gas prices have made converting existing coal-fired steam-generating boilers to natural gas firing more and more attractive.

This paper provides a general assessment from a sampling of projects that have converted coal-fired steam-generating units to 100% natural gas firing. We present an approach to assess the project technical feasibility, including boiler thermal performance modeling and project planning. Balance-of-plant considerations, such as National Fire Protection Association code compliance, natural gas piping system, air pollution control equipment, draft systems, and retirement of existing coal equipment are also discussed.

A case study of one recently implemented natural gas conversion project is presented.

Authors:
Marc E. Lemmons, Bryan J. McGowan - Sargent & Lundy