Predicting slagging tendencies for biomass pellets fired in residential appliances : a comparison of different prediction methods

In this paper, a comparison between four different types (both empirical and theoretical) of techniques to predict the slagging tendencies in residential pellet combustion appliances was performed. The four techniques used were the standard ash fusion test (SS ISO-540) used in the Swedish pellet standard (SS 18 71 20), thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), thermochemical model calculations, and a laboratory-scale sintering test. The tests were performed with 12 pelletized biomass raw materials, and the results were compared with measured slagging tendencies in controlled combustion experiments in a commercial under-fed pellet burner (20 kW) installed in a reference boiler. The results showed significant differences in the prediction of slagging tendencies between different predicting techniques and fuels. The method based on thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) of produced slags must be further developed before useful information could be provided of the slagging behavior of different fuels. The used sintering method must al...