Evaluation of coal-oil mixture fuel for electric utility application

A study sponsored by the EPRI on the evaluation of coal-oil mixture (COM) fuel applications in electric utilities is reported. It has produced a set of tools in which a utility can determine whether COM firing is an attractive alternative to firing oil on this plant. A methodology for estimating the cost of preparation of a commerially produced COM fuel has been worked out. Estimtes were obtained on capacity derating, modification and capital requirements, and operating expenses for firing COM. The anticipated (COM fuel savings were measured against the ssociated capital and operating cost to determine whether or not COM firing in a utility's oil boiler of gproduces a net reduction in the cost of generating electricity.