Abstract: Both a process and an apparatus whereby a fuel with both a high carbon content, a relatively high sulphur content and a relatively low ash content, can be combusted without the release of potentially damaged amounts of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide are described. Further, the process and apparatus each provide an operation whereby the carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide emissions form the combustion of a carbonaceous fuel with both a high carbon content and a relatively high sulphur content can each be recovered as a useable product. Typically the fuel is petroleum coke, or certain grades of anthracite, coal and natural gas.

Abstract: Sulphur control in fluidized bed combustion systems often involves adding a source of calcium to the combustor so that the calcium may combine with the sulphur. Ash resulting from such combustion often contains a significant amount of calcium which does not combine with the sulphur compounds. This invention teaches a method of reactivating that ash by grinding the ash in a positive transport grinding mill with water. The grinder causes the ash to simultaneously undergo grinding and hydration to convert the calcium to calcium hydroxide. Advantageously drying agents are added to the ground hydrated ash after grinding to facilitate the formation of acceptably crumbly pellets thereby increasing the amount of calcium available to react with the sulphur. A particularly advantageous aspect of the invention involves the use of wet coal slurries which are otherwise waste products as the source of water to be ground with the ash. The coal content of the slurry then forms additional fuel for the combustion process.

Abstract: Sulphur control in fluidized bed combustion systems often involves adding a source of calcium to the combustor so that the calcium may combine with the sulphur. Ash resulting from such combustion often contains a significant amount of calcium which does not combine with the sulphur compounds. This invention teaches a method of reactivating that ash by grinding the ash in a positive transport grinding mill with water. The grinder causes the ash to simultaneously undergo grinding and hydration to convert the calcium to calcium hydroxide. Advantageously drying agents are added to the ground hydrated ash after grinding to facilitate the formation of acceptably crumbly pellets thereby increasing the amount of calcium available to react with the sulphur. A particularly advantageous aspect of the invention involves the use of wet coal slurries which are otherwise waste products as the source of water to be ground with the ash. The coal content of the slurry then forms additional fuel for the combustion process.