Electrostatic precipitator collection efficiency and trace element emissions from co-combustion of biomass and recovered fuel in fluidized bed combustion

Particle and trace element emissions from energy production have continuously been subject to tightening regulations. At the same time, not enough is known on the effect of different combustion processes and different fuels and fuel mixtures on the particle characteristics and particle removal device operation. In this investigation, electrostatic precipitator fractional collection efficiency and trace metal emissions were determined experimentally at a 66 MW biomass-fueled bubbling fluidized-bed combustion plant. The measurements were carried out at the inlet and outlet of the two-field electrostatic precipitator (ESP) at the flue gas temperature of 130−150 °C. Two fuel mixtures were investigated:  biomass fuel containing 70% wood residue and 30% peat and biomass with recovered fuel containing 70% wood residue, 18% peat, and 12% recovered fuel. The particle mass concentration at the ESP inlet was 510−1400 mg/Nm³. Particle emission at the ESP outlet was 2.3−6.4 mg/Nm³. Total ESP collection efficiency was 99.2−99.8%. Collection efficiency had a minimum in particle size range of 0.1−2 μm. In this size range, collection efficiency was 96−97%. The emission of the trace metals As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, and V was well below the regulation values set by EU directive for waste incineration and co-incineration.