NON-CORROSIVE TREATMENT TO ENHANCE PRESSURIZED AND NON-PRESSURIZED PULVERIZED COAL COMBUSTION

Info

Publication number: 20090253085
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 15, 2009
Publication Date: Oct 8, 2009
Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY (Schenectady, NY)
Inventors: Nicholas Robert Blandford (Bensalem, PA), Libardo A. Perez (Morrisville, PA)
Application Number: 12/484,654

Abstract

Methods and compositions for inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces in a furnace system are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, pulverized coal is burned as fuel in the presence of a copper ion catalyst/combustion aid. Corrosion is inhibited in these systems by the use of a blend of primary aminoalcohol such as 2-aminoethanol, tertiary aminoalcohol such as triethanol amine, and boric acid or water soluble salt form of the acid.

Description

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/581,935 filed Oct. 17, 2006, which is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/368,823 filed Feb. 19, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to methods and compositions for inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces in contact with a furnace.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of copper and other metals to enhance furnace operation is well known. For example, in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,325 (Morgan et al.), metallic compounds including Zr, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, and Pb may be added to pulverized coal that is burned as fuel in a blast furnace or the like. Pulverized coal is often used as a substitute for a portion of the coke in the preparation of iron involving the reduction of iron oxide with carbon in the blast furnace. This substitution purportedly results in less pollution since coke is being replaced in part, and since coal is less expensive than coke, economies in the process can be realized.

In typical blast furnace processes, iron bearing materials including iron ore, sinter, scrap, or other iron source along with a fuel, generally coke, and a flux, limestone, or dolomite are charged into the blast furnace from the top. The blast furnace burns part of the fuel to produce heat for melting the iron ore and the balance of the fuel is utilized for reducing the iron and its combination with carbon. The charge in a typical furnace, per ton of pig iron produced, is about 1.7 tons of ore or other iron bearing materials, 0.5-0.65 tons of coke or other fuel, and about 0.25 tons of limestone and/or dolomite. Additionally, from 1.8-2.0 tons of air are blown into the furnace during the process.

In practice, iron bearing raw materials (sinter, iron ore, pellets, etc.), fuel (coke), and flux (limestone, dolomite, etc.) are charged to the top of the furnace. Heated air (blast) is blown into a blast furnace through openings, known as tuyeres, at the bottom of the furnace. Tuyere stocks are fitted with injection lances through which supplemental fuels (gas, oil, and pulverized coal) are injected. The blast air burns the fuel and facilitates the smelting chemistry that produces iron. Combustion gases from the blast furnace are scrubbed to remove particulate and other noxious gases before being burned in stoves which are used to preheat blast air or in other applications, e.g., coke ovens, boilers, etc.

As referred to above, when pulverized coal is substituted for a portion of the coke, metals such as those disclosed in the '325 patent may be used as combustion catalysts or aids. These are of benefit since they provide the ability to use lower rank coals in the furnace and allow for greater coke replacement by the pulverized coal. Additionally, they help to minimize “coal cloud” and reduce LOI. Lowered slag content, reduced particulate emissions, and higher quality iron are also potential benefits that may be attributed to the use of these catalysts or aids.

Copper-based catalysts or combustion aids have become especially popular. However, attendant problems of corrosion have appeared as a result. The problem arises from the corrosion that the product generates on mild steel surfaces that are present in the furnace system in which the combustion catalyst/aid is applied. (As used herein, “furnace” and “furnace systems” refer to ovens, boilers, blast furnaces, or any enclosure in which a fuel is combusted).

As a consequence of this corrosion of metallic parts and components of a furnace system, the furnace equipment itself can fail, leading to process down time and costly replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have developed a technology that inhibits corrosion in furnace systems and allows use of metallic based combustion catalysts/aids, especially those employing Cu as the active component. In one aspect of the invention, the corrosion inhibiting treatment of the invention is blended with a copper combustion catalyst/aid to form a protective film on the mild steel surface in contact with the furnace combustion products.

The corrosion inhibiting treatment comprises a blend of a primary aminoalcohol (i.e., having primary amino function) and boric acid or water soluble salt or the acid. A tertiary aminoalcohol (i.e., having a tertiary amine function) may also be present in the blend. The blend is preferably sprayed onto the pulverized coal in aqueous solution form prior to injection of the coal into the furnace. Alternatively, the treatment may be applied in spray form anywhere in the furnace system including the so-called “fireside” or “cold” ends of the furnace. (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,458,006 and 4,224,180 herein incorporated by reference).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Metal surfaces, such as mild steel surfaces, of a furnace system are effectively treated in accordance with the invention by a corrosion inhibiting treatment comprising a blend of a primary aminoalcohol and boric acid or water soluble salt form thereof. Additionally, the corrosion inhibiting treatment may comprise a tertiary aminoalcohol. Preferably, the primary aminoalcohol is 2-aminoethanol and the tertiary aminoalcohol is triethanolamine. The invention has proven to be successful, especially in furnace systems in which pulverized coal is burned as fuel in the presence of a copper catalyst/combustion aid.

The corrosion inhibiting treatment is most preferably provided in the form of an aqueous solution. By the phrase “aqueous solution” as used herein, we mean to encompass not only true chemical solutions, but also dispersions, mixtures, and suspensions. The solution may be sprayed directly over the pulverized coal in an amount of about 100 ml to 1 L of aqueous solution per ton of coal. More preferably, the dosage rate is from about 300 ml -1 L of aqueous solution per ton pulverized coal.

Preferably, the corrosion inhibiting treatment comprises both the 2-aminoethanol and triethanolamine component. In addition, conventional corrosion inhibitors, such as water-soluble gluconic acid salts, preferably sodium gluconate, may be incorporated into the corrosion inhibiting treatment. When the pulverized coal is to be burned in the presence of copper as a catalyst/combustion aid, a copper ion source may also be incorporated into the aqueous solution that is to be sprayed over the coal.

The invention is also directed to corrosion inhibiting treatment compositions that are adapted for application or spraying onto the fuel in the form of an aqueous solution. In these compositions, the 2-aminoethanol, triethanolamine, and boric acid or salt thereof components may be present in the aqueous solution in the amount of about 1-10 wt %. Sodium gluconate may also be present in the aqueous solution in an amount of about 1-15 wt %. In those instances in which a copper ion source is also present in the aqueous solution, the copper ion source may be present in such an amount as to provide Cu⁺⁺ in an amount of 1-20 wt %.

The synergistic blend of 2-aminoethanol, triethanolamine, and borate is not water soluble in the presence of copper. However, when this blend is mixed with the known mild steel corrosion inhibitor, sodium gluconate, the gluconate/“blend” mixture has a high solubility in water even in the presence of copper.

Exemplary compositions in accordance with the invention include:

aminoalcohol component(s) and 1-10 wt % boric acid or salt sodium gluconate 1-15 wt % copper (as Cu⁺⁺)* 0-20 wt % water remainder

More preferably, the compositions include

aminoalcohol blend of 2-aminoethanol and 1-10 wt % triethanolamine with boric acid or salt sodium gluconate 1-15 wt % copper (as Cu⁺⁺)* 1-20 wt % *Copper compound adapted to provide requisite amount of Cu⁺⁺ion in aqueous solution.

Based upon preliminary results, it is preferred to provide the copper ion source, sodium gluconate, 2-aminoethanol, triethanolamine, and boric acid or water soluble salt in a single aqueous solution for spray application over the pulverized coal. Exemplary copper ion sources are copper sulfate pentahydrate and copper II-D-gluconate.

The product which is presently preferred for commercial use comprises about 3% actives of a blend of 2-aminoethanol, triethanolamine, and boric acid, along with 4% active sodium gluconate, and 19% actives of copper sulfate pentahydrate along with sufficient water to equal 100% of the total weight of the formulation.

EXAMPLES

The invention will be further described in conjunction with the following examples which should be viewed as being illustrative of the invention and should not be construed to limit the invention.

Example 1 Bottle Test Method for Corrosion Rate Comparison Experimental Procedure

All corrosion tests were carried out using a bottle test method with mild steel coupons. The coupons were cleaned with tri-sodium phosphate and pumice before and after exposure to the produce solution. Isopropyl alcohol was used to rinse the coupons after cleaning. Each low carbon steel coupon was immersed in a 1% (by weight) copper solution prepared form the indicated stock solution for 24 hours. (Only exceptions are the last two entries in the data table below which involved immersion of the mild steel coupons into the undiluted stock solution.) Total test solution weight was 100 grams. Each test was conducted at 30° C. in a water bath shaking at 40 rpm. Corrosion rates were determined by the amount of weight loss that occurred in 24 hours. All formulations tested were run in duplicate, so the corrosion rates shown represent the average of the two. The level of copper (as Cu²⁺ in EP9587 (4.84%) was maintained for each new stock formulation prepared. The percentage of surfactant and water and the source of copper ion were the variables manipulated. All blends were prepared based on the weight % of each component. In addition, an 11-day test using undiluted stock solutions was carried out with the better of the two corrosion blends.

Experimental Results

Copper Based Combustion Enhancer (CBCE)=19% copper sulfate pentahydrate (which is 4.84% Cu²⁺, the level found in every stock solution tested below)/1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10).

Corrosion Inhibitor Blend (CIB)=2-aminoethanol, triethanolamine, and boric acid (Maxhib AB-400)—available from Chemax, Rutgers Organics Corporation, Greenville, S.C. 29606.

Data Table 1 below shows the above listed as CBCE and CIB with the appropriate concentrations used.

TABLE 1 Corrosion Rate % Reduction of Composition of Stock Solution (mpy) on Low Corrosion Rate Example Tested (by % weight) Carbon Steel (relative to CBCE) Control CBCE (4.84% Cu) [CONTROL] 935 NA C-1 Similar to CBCE but with the 25 97 4.84% Cu coming from Copper(II)- D-Gluconate instead of CuSO₄•5H₂O C-2 CBCE with an added 1% Sodium 959 0 Gluconate C-3 CBCE with an added 6.7% Sodium 974 0 Gluconate C-4 CBCE with an added 9% Sodium 1000 0 Gluconate C-5 Similar to the CBCE but with 1% of 968 0 the Cu coming form Copper(II)-D- Gluconate & the other 3.84% Cu coming from CuSO₄•5H₂O C-6 CBCE but with the pH raised 1 unit 964 0 with NH₄OH C-7 Similar to the CBCE but with 1% of 955 0 the Cu coming from Copper(II)-D- Gluconate & the other 3.84% Cu coming from CuSO₄•5H₂O. In addition 0.1% Zinc was added. C-8 Similar to the CBCE but with 1% of 466 50 the Cu coming from Copper (II)-D- Gluconate & the other 3.84% Cu coming from CuSO₄•5H₂O. In addition, pH was raised one-half unit with NH₄OH. C-9 Similar to the CBCE but with 1% of 175 81 the Cu coming from Copper(II)-D- (Product Gluconate & the other 3.84% Cu was not coming from CuSO₄•5H₂O. In stable.) addition, pH was raised one unit with KOH. C-10 Similar to the CBCE but with 1% of 212 77 the Cu coming from Copper(II)-D- (Product Gluconate & the other 3.84% Cu was not coming from CuSO₄•5H₂O. In stable.) addition, pH was raised one unit with NaOH. C-11 Similar to the CBCE but with 1% of 174 81 the Cu coming from Copper(II)-D- (Product was not Gluconate & the other 3.34% Cu stable.) coming from CuSO₄•5H₂O. In addition, pH was raised one unit with NaOH. C-12 Similar to the CBCE but with 1% of 147 84 the Cu coming from Copper(II)-D- (Product was not Gluconate & the other 3.84% Cu stable.) coming from CuSO₄•5H₂O. In addition, pH was raised one unit with NH₄OH. C-13 Similar to the CBCE but with 900 4 1.35% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) instead of 1.6%, and 0.25% alkoxylated mercaptan (Burco TME added as well. C-14 Similar to the CBCE but with 957 0 1.35% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) instead of 1.6%, and 1.5% alkoxylated mercaptan (Burco TME added as well. C-15 Similar to the CBCE but with 1.6% 838 10 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) replaced by 1.6% alkoxylated amine. C-16 Similar to the CBCE but with 1.6% 787 16 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) replaced by 1.6% alkoxylated amine. C-17 Similar to the CBCE but with 1.6% 808 14 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) replaced by 1.6% proprietary surfactant blend with propargyl alcohol (Maxhib PA 315). C-18 Similar to the CBCE but with 1.6% 852 9 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) replaced by 1.6% of a quaternary aryl ammonium chloride (Dodicor 2565). C-19 Similar to the CBCE but the 1.6% 998 0 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) was not added. Instead, 1% boric acid & 1% EDTA were added. C-20 Similar to the CBCE but the 1.6% 913 2 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) was not added. Instead 5% proprietary surfactant blend with propargyl alcohol (Maxhib PA 315) was added. C-21 Similar to the CBCE but the 1.6% 543 42 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) was not added. Instead, 5% quaternary aryl ammonium chloride (Dodicor 2565 was added. C-22 Similar to the CBCE but the 1.6% 576 38 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) was not added. Instead, 10% quaternary aryl ammonium chloride (Dodicor 2565) was added. C-23 Similar to the CBCE but the 1.6% 875 6 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) was replaced by 1.6% of a quaternary aryl ammonium chloride (Dodicor 2565). In addition, pH was raised one unit w/NH₄OH. C-24 Similar to the CBCE but with the 832 11 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) replaced by 1.6% of a quaternary aryl ammonium chloride (Dodicor 2565). In addition, 1% of the Cu was from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & the other 3.84% came from CuSO₄•5H₂O. The pH was raised one unit w/NH₄OH as well. C-25 Similar to the CBCE but with the 692 26 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) replaced by 1.6% of a proprietary surfactant blend with propargyl alcohol (Maxhib PA 315). In addition, 1% of the Cu was from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & the other 3.84% came from CuSO₄•5H₂O. The pH was raised one unit with NaOH as well. Example 1 Similar to the CBCE but with the 222 76 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 2.27% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) & 6.7% sodium gluconate were added to the 4.84% Cu (from 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate). Example 2 Similar to the CBCE but with the 213 77 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 2.3% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) & 5.4% sodium gluconate were added to the 4.84% Cu (from 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate). Example 3 Similar to the CBCE but with the 223 76 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 2.8% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) & 4.3% sodium gluconate were added to the 4.84% Cu (from 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate). Example 4 Similar to the CBCE but with the 230 75 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 3.0% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) & 4.0% sodium gluconate were added to the 4.84% Cu (from 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate). Example 5 Similar to the CBCE but with the 181 81 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 3.0% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) & 5.0% sodium gluconate were added to the 4.84% Cu (from 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate). Example 6 Similar to the CBCE but with the 541 42 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 3.5% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) & 4.2% sodium gluconate were added to the 4.84% Cu (from 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate). Example 7 Similar to the CBCE but with the 200 79 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 2% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) was added. In addition, 1% Cu came from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% Cu came from copper sulfate pentahydrate to make up the 4.84% total Cu amount. Example 8 Similar to the CBCE but with the 146 84 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 2.5% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) was added. In addition, 1% Cu came from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% Cu came from copper sulfate pentahydrate to make up the 4.84% total Cu amount. C-27 Similar to the CBCE but with the 820 12 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) replaced by 1.6% modified complex amine (Deterge AT-100). In addition, 1% Cu came from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% Cu came from copper sulfate pentahydrate to make up the 4.84% total Cu amount. C-28 Similar to the CBCE but with the 775 17 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG-10) not added. Instead, 3% modified complex amine (Deterge AT-100) was added. In addition, 1% Cu came from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% Cu came from copper sulfate pentahydrate. The pH was raised one unit with NaOH as well. 11-Day Bottle Test Using Undiluted Stock Solutions Example 9 Undiluted CBCE tested for 11 days 4961 NA (Control for 11-day test) Undiluted Blend Tested for 11 Days 781 84 vs. CBCE. In this case, the CBCE prepared did not have the 1.6% alkylpolyglucoside surfactant (Triton BG- 10). Instead, 3.0% CIB (Maxhib AB 400) & 4.0% sodium gluconate were added to the 4.84% Cu (from 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate).

Example 2

The procedures reported in Example 1 were again performed in conjunction with comparative treatments and treatments in accordance with the invention. Results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Corrosion Rate % Reduction of Composition of Stock Solution (mpy) on Low Corrosion Rate Example Tested (by wt %) Carbon Steel (relative to EP9587) Control EP9587 [CONTROL] 935 NA C-29 EP9587 W/4.84% Cu from 25 97 Copper(II)-D-Gluconate instead (Increase in raw of CuSO₄•5H₂O material cost higher than 20%.) C-30 EP9587 1% Sodium Gluconate. 959 0 C-31 EP9587 6.7% Sodium Gluconate. 974 0 C-32 EP9587 9% Sodium Gluconate. 1000 0 C-33 EP9587 1% Cu from 968 0 Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% Cu from CuSO₄•5H₂O. C-34 EP9587 & pH raised 1 unit w/ 964 0 NH₄OH. C-35 EP9587 w/1% Cu from 955 0 Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% from CuSO₄•5H₂O w/ 0.1% zinc. C-36 EP9587 w/1% Cu from 466 50 Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% from CuSO₄•5H₂O & pH raised one half unit w/NH₄OH. C-37 EP9587 w/1% Cu from 175 81 Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & (Product was not 3.84% from CuSO₄•5H₂O & pH stable.) raised one unit w/KOH. C-38 EP9587 w/1% Cu from 212 77 Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & (Product was not 3.84% from CuSO₄•5H₂O & pH stable.) raised one unit with NAOH. C-39 EP9587 w/1.5% Cu from 174 81 Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & (Product was not 3.34% from CuSO₄•5H₂O w/ stable.) pH raised one unit with NaOH. C-40 EP9587 w/1% Cu from 147 84 Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & (Product was not 3.84% from CuSO₄•5H₂O & pH stable.) raised one unit w/NH₄OH. C-41 EP9587 w/1.35% Triton BG- 900 4 10 & 0.25% Burko TME. C-42 EP9587 w/0.1% Triton BG-10 957 0 & 1.5% Burko TME C-43 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 838 10 replaced by alkoxylated amine. C-44 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 787 16 replaced by alkoxylated amine. C-45 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 808 14 replaced by Maxhib PA 315. C-46 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 852 9 replaced by Dodicor 2565. C-47 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 998 0 replaced by 1% Boric Acid & EDTA. C-48 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 913 2 replaced by Maxhib PA 315. C-49 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 543 42 replaced by 5% Dodicor 2565. C-50 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 576 38 replaced by 10% Dodicor 2565. C-51 EP9587 w/Triton BG-10 875 6 replaced by Dodicor 2565 & pH raised one unit w/NH₄OH. C-52 Triton BG-10 replaced by 832 11 Dodicor 2565 & 1% Cu from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% from CuSO₄•5H₂O and pH raised one unit w/NaOH. Example 10 Triton BG-10 replaced by 692 26 Maxhib PA 315 & 1% Cu from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% from CuSO₄•5H₂O and pH raised one unit w/NaOH. Example 11 Triton BG-10 replaced by 222 76 2.27% Maxhib AB 400 & 6.7% sodium gluconate and 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate. Example 12 Triton BG-10 replaced by 2.3% 213 77 Maxhib AB 400 & 5.4% sodium gluconate and 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate. Example 13 Triton BG-10 replaced by 2.8% 223 76 Maxhib AB 400 & 4.3% sodium gluconate and 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate. Example 14 Triton BG-10 replaced by 3.0% 23 75 Maxhib AB 400 & 4.0% sodium gluconate and 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate. Example 15 Triton BG-10 replaced by 3.0% 181 81 Maxhib AB 400 & 5.0% sodium gluconate and 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate. Example 16 Triton BG-10 replaced by 3.5% 541 42 Maxhib AB 400 & 4.2% sodium gluconate and 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate. Example 17 Triton BG-10 replaced by 2% 200 79 Maxhib AB 400 & 1% Cu from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% from copper sulfate pentahydrate. Example 18 Triton BG-10 replaced by 2.5% 146 84 Maxhib AB 400 & 1% Cu from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% from copper sulfate pentahydrate. C-53 Triton BG-10 replaced by 820 12 Deterge AT-100 & 1% Cu from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% from copper sulfate pentahydrate. C-54 Triton BG-10 replaced by 3% 775 17 Deterge AT-100 & 1% Cu from Copper(II)-D-Gluconate & 3.84% from copper sulfate pentahydrate & pH raised one unit with NaOH. C-55 Undiluted EP9587 tested for 11 4961 NA days (Control for 11-day test). Example 19 Undiluted Blend Tested for 11 781 84 days vs. EP9587: Triton BG-10 replaced by 3.0% Maxhib AB400 & 4.0% sodium gluconate and 19% copper sulfate pentahydrate.

Claims

1. A method of inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces in a furnace wherein coal is burned as a fuel, said method comprising burning said coal in the presence of a corrosion inhibiting treatment comprising an aminoalcohol.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said corrosion inhibiting treatment further comprises boric acid or water soluble salt of said boric acid.

3. A method as recited in claim 2 wherein said coal is pulverized and said treatment is applied in the form of an aqueous solution over said pulverized coal.

4. A method as recited in claim 2 wherein said treatment is sprayed in aqueous solution form into said furnace.

5. A method as recited in claim 2 wherein said aminoalcohol comprises a primary aminoalcohol having a primary amine functionality.

6. A method as recited in claim 5 wherein said aminoalcohol further comprises a tertiary aminoalcohol having tertiary amine functionality.

7. A method as recited in claim 5 wherein said aminoalcohol further comprises 2-aminoethanol.

8. A method as recited in claim 6 wherein said tertiary aminoalcohol is triethanolamine.

9. A method as recited in claim 8 wherein said coal is burned in the presence of copper.

10. A method as recited in claim 3 wherein said aqueous solution is sprayed over said pulverized coal in an amount of about 100 ml-1 L of said aqueous solution per ton of said pulverized coal.

11. A method as recited in claim 8 further including sodium gluconate in said aqueous solution, said sodium gluconate being present in said aqueous solution in an amount of between about 1-10 wt %.

12. In a method in which pulverized coal is burned as a fuel in a furnace in the presence of copper to enhance the operation of the furnace, the improvement comprising also burning said coal in the presence of a corrosion inhibiting treatment, said treatment comprising 2-aminoethanol, triethanolamine and boric acid or water soluble thereof.

13. A method as recited in claim 12 wherein said copper and said corrosion inhibiting treatment are both sprayed onto said coal in the form of a single aqueous solution.

14. A method as recited in claim 12 wherein said corrosion inhibiting treatment further comprises gluconic acid or water soluble salt thereof.

15. A method as recited in claim 14 wherein said corrosion inhibiting treatment comprises sodium gluconate.

16. A method as recited in claim 15 wherein said 2-aminoethanol, triethanolamine and boric acid or salt thereof are present in combination in said aqueous solution in an amount of about 1—about 10 wt %, said sodium gluconate being present in said aqueous solution in an amount of about 1-15 wt % and wherein said copper is present in said aqueous solution as Cu++ in an amount of about 1-20 wt %, and wherein about 100 ml -118 L of said aqueous solution is sprayed onto said pulverized coal.

17. A method of inhibiting corrosion in a furnace in which pulverized coal is burned as fuel in the presence of a metallic combustion catalyst, the improvement comprising burning said coal in the presence of a corrosion inhibiting treatment, said corrosion inhibiting treatment comprising an aminoalcohol and boric acid.

18. A method as recited in claim 17 wherein said furnace comprises metal surfaces therein, said method further comprising forming a protective, corrosion inhibiting film on said metal surfaces by reaction of said corrosion inhibiting treatment and said metallic combustion catalyst.

19. A method as recited in claim 17 wherein said furnace comprises metal surfaces therein and said metallic combustion catalyst comprises copper, said corrosion inhibiting treatment comprising 2-aminoethanol, triethanolamine, and boric acid, said method further comprising forming a protective, corrosion inhibiting film on said metal surfaces by reaction of said corrosion inhibiting treatment and said copper combustion catalyst.

20. A method as recited in claim 19 wherein said corrosion inhibiting treatment further comprises sodium gluconate.