Fluidized-bed combustion or FBC

 

Fluidized-bed combustion or FBC

Fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) technology has made it possible to significantly increase the utilization of various biomasses and wastes in power and heat generation. The pulp and paper industry served as a forerunner because of the adequate biomass and waste fuel supply and energy demand on site. The range of available biomasses and wastes includes wood-based fuels and residues, such as bark, wood chips, and sawdust, sludge from paper mills and de-inking plants, and other wastes, such as municipal sludges, paper waste, packaging waste. New environmental regulations and taxation of fossil fuels have recently further increased interest in the use of biomasses and wastes in energy generation. In many cases disposal by burning is the only available method of waste treatment. A promising way to fulfill these targets and to utilize energy is to apply co-combustion or gasification of different fuels and wastes. Fluidized-bed combustion has mainly been used in new plants and many grate-fired boilers have been converted to fluidized-bed boilers. Early concepts were based on bubbling fluidized beds (BFB).