Recently, an efficient resource model updating framework was proposed with the aim of improving the raw material quality control and process efficiency in any type of mining operation. This includes the integration of online-sensor measurements that are obtained during the production into the resource model. The concept has been applied in a coal mining environment with the aim of identifying local impurities in a coal seam and to improve the prediction of coal quality attributes in neighbouring blocks. The goal of this presentation is to demonstrate how the use of the resource model updating framework can provide added value for the mining industry. Both economical and environmental considerations are taken into account when the added value is investigated.

The coalfields of South Africa contain numerous dolerite intrusions, which are believed to have affected the quality of the surrounding coal by a thermal process, controlled by the size of the magmatic body. Data gathered from a working coalfield in Secunda, South Africa, suggest that the relationship between intrusive sills and coal is complex and factors other than intrusion width must be considered in relation to the contact metamorphic effect. The study area contains multiple dolerite intrusions of Karoo age, separated according to their geometric relationship to the local coal seams. Three intrusions were selected for detailed study. The three dolerite bodies, namely the DO4, DO8 and DO10 dolerites, occur as sills intruded close to the main coal seam of the area. The dolerite sills have identical mineralogy and can only be distinguished through textural variations in thin section. Coal quality data was obtained from Sasol Mining Secunda and used to investigate the presence or absence of a change in coal quality relative to dolerite proximity. Reduction in coal quality was defined using three main proximate analysis values, termed Ash, Volatile content (Vols) and Dry Ash Free Volatile (DAFV) in the coal industry. These parameters were used to determine the extent of any effect deleterious to coal quality induced by the intrusion of the dolerite sills. The resultant investigation showed no correlation between the position and thickness of the dolerites, and a change in coal quality (as measured by proximate analysis). In the absence of a linear relationship between coal quality and dolerite proximity, two processes are proposed to explain the absence of the contact metamorphic effects expected from previous studies: -Dolerite emplacement dynamics may influence the size of the metamorphic aureole produced by an intrusion, and invalidating intrusion size as a measure of thermal output, - Hydrothermal fluids mobilised by the dolerite intrusions, either from the country rock or the intrusion itself may percolate through the coal and act as the metamorphic agent responsible for changing coal quality, by dissolving the volatile components of the coal and transporting them to other locations These two processes are sufficient to explain the lack of a clear “metamorphic effect” related to the dolerite intrusions. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Geology / unrestricted

Run-of-mine (ROM) coal sampling is one of the most important factors in determining the disposition of ROM coal for an overall emission control strategy. Determination of the amount of sample, or still better, the frequency of ROM coal sampling is thus essential to the analysis of overall emission control strategies. A simulation model of a portion of the Upper Freeport coal seam in western Pennsylvania was developed employing conditional simulation. On the simulated deposit, different mining methods were simulated to generate ROM coal data. ROM coal data was statistically analyzed to determine the sampling frequency. Two schemes were suggested: (1) the use of geostatistical techniques if there is spatial correlation in ROM coal quality, and (2) the use of classical statistics if the spatial correlation in ROM coal quality is not present. Conditions under which spatial correlation in ROM coal quality can be expected are also examined. To link the ROM coal and coals from other sources to coal stockpiles and subsequently to solve coal blending problems, where varying qualities of stockpiled coals are normally used, an interactive computer program was developed. Simple file-handling, for stockpiling problems, and multi-objective goal programming technique, for blending problems, provided their solutions. The computer program was made suitable for use on both minicomputer and microcomputer. Menu-driven and interactive capabilities give this program a high level of flexibility that is needed to analyze and solve stockpiling and blending problems at the power plant.

Submitted by Rebeka Godeiro (rebeka_carvalho@hotmail.com) on 2018-06-12T13:51:14Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ANTONIO MARCOS CÉSAR DE ALMEIDA - DISSERTAÇÃO CIÊNCIAS FLORESTAIS 2010.PDF: 6856836 bytes, checksum: 70102313263de5bece344bfdd885385a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-12T13:51:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ANTONIO MARCOS CÉSAR DE ALMEIDA - DISSERTAÇÃO CIÊNCIAS FLORESTAIS 2010.PDF: 6856836 bytes, checksum: 70102313263de5bece344bfdd885385a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-07-23 / Capes / A Caatinga é um bioma exclusivamente brasileiro, que apresenta uma grande variedade de espécies da fauna e da flora, sendo uma boa parte destas endêmicas. Ao longo dos anos a supressão da caatinga por ação antrópica vem reduzindo bastante esse bioma. Este fato se dá, principalmente, pelo uso do potencial energético de suas espécies vegetais sem a devida preocupação com a sustentabilidade do mesmo. Um melhor conhecimento do potencial energético das espécies vegetais da caatinga possibilita um manejo mais adequado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial energético, as características anatômicas e químicas da madeira das espécies Amburana cearensis (Allemao) A. C. Smith e Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth.) Ducke. A Amburana cearensis exibiu valores médios para comprimentos de fibras, largura de fibras e de diâmetro do lúmen de fibra significativamente superiores em relação à espécie Piptadenia stipulacea, e valores equivalentes de espessura de fibra, com teores médios de cinzas da madeira e extrativos totais significativamente superiores. Médias significativamente superiores a 1% de probabilidade de teor de lignina e de teor de holocelulose foram encontradas para a espécie Piptadenia stipulacea. O rendimento gravimétrico foi semelhante para ambas as espécies, enquanto o rendimento em líquido condensado foi significativamente superior para a Amburana cearensis. Em relação à qualidade do carvão, foram observados maiores valores de poder calorífico superior e carbono fixo para a Piptadenia stipulacea, enquanto a Amburana cearensis exibiu maiores teores de materiais voláteis e de cinzas. / The 'Caatinga' is an exclusively Brazilian biome, which has a large variety of fauna and flora species, and a good part of these endemic. Over the years the abolition of the 'caatinga' by human action has reduced this biome, it is believed that currently there is less than half of the original vegetation. This actually happens, mainly by the use of the energy potential of their species without proper concern about the sustainability of the biome. A better knowledge of the energy potential of plant species from the 'caatinga' enables a more appropriate management, reducing negative impacts in areas properly explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential energy, chemical and anatomical characteristics of wood species Amburana cearensis (Allemao) A. C. Smith and Piptadenia stipulacea (Benth.) Ducke, so that these have been known and therefore better used. The Amburana cearensis exhibited average values for fiber length, fiber width and lumen diameter of the fiber significantly higher than the species Piptadenia stipulacea and equivalent amounts of thickness of fiber, with average levels of wood ash and extractives significantly higher. Averages, significantly higher than 1% probability of lignin content and holocellulose content were observed for the specie Piptadenia stipulacea. The gravimetric yield was similar for both species, while the yield of condensed liquid was significantly higher for Amburana cearensis. In relation to coal quality, higher values were observed for gross calorific value and fixed carbon for Piptadenia stipulacea while Amburana cearensis exhibited higher levels of volatiles and ash. Keywords: Cumaru.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a caracterização do carvão da mina de Leão IIcamada inferior, com a finalidade de gerar carvão pulverizado para a injeção nas ventaneiras do alto-forno na indústria siderúrgica. Esta prática visa diminuir o custo do coque, através do aumento da taxa de substituição do coque por carvões brasileiros de baixo rank. Para o estudo foram realizados ensaios de beneficiamento, análise imediata e elementar, poder calorífico, análise petrográfica e índice de inchamento livre. Na 1ª etapa de ensaios de beneficiamento, usaram-se densidades entre: 1,3-2,4g/cm3, com intervalo de diferença de 0,1 e 0,2 para as densidades de 1,3-1,9 e 2,0-2,4 g/cm3, respectivamente.Verificou-se que a fração de densidade 1,3 g/cm3 apresentou uma menor recuperação (2,0%) e um teor de cinzas de 4,3%. As maiores massas foram obtidas nas densidades de 1,4; 1,5 e 2,4 g/cm3, com recuperação de 11,1%;14,3% e 22,2% e teores de cinzas de 14,9%; 24,3% e 83,4%, respectivamente. Foram escolhidas as frações de densidades 1,4 e 1,5 g/cm3 com maior recuperação na 1ª etapa e com teor de cinzas em torno de 12 a 18%, conforme as curvas lavabilidade. Na 2ª etapa foi flutuado o carvão nas densidades de interesse escolhidas para o PCI e obtiveram-se recuperações mássicas de 13,11% e 27,00%, respectivamente. Assim as recuperações das médias ponderadas corresponderam a 22,46% para os carvões de interesse com alto teor de matéria carbonosa enquanto para as frações indesejadas obteve-se 80,45% em massa. A partir da análise imediata foram obtidos os teores das frações densidades flutuadas de 1,4 e 1,5 g/cm3, obteve-se os seguintes teores: U%- 14,45%; Cz(%bs)-15,22%;MV(bs)-36,04%; MV(bsic)- 42,51%; CF(bs) -50,54% e CF(bsic)- 59,6%. As médias da análise elementar obtida das duas frações foram: enxofre total-0,54%, hidrogênio total-5,44% e carbono total-56.74%, respectivamente. O poder refletor da vitrinita médio foi de 0,46 a 0,48% Ro, sendo classificado como sub-betuminosoB de acordo com a ASTM. O valor do poder calorífico médio foi de 5462 kcal/kg. A fração FL 1,4 é levemente aglutinante com 0,5 de perfil de inchamento, pois concentrou mais vitrinita e perfil zero (0) para fração de FL 1,5g/cm3 e NB, não sendo aglutinante. A partir dos resultados o carvão de leão II apresenta altos voláteis, bom poder calorífico superior; baixo S<1% e teores de cinzas e umidade razoáveis após beneficiamento em densidade de 1,4 a 1,5g/cm3. Assim pode ser usado para PCI, mas há necessidade de se fazer a devida mistura com carvão de médio e/ou alto rank para ajustar algumas propriedades de interesse de acordo com as exigências de cada alto-forno. / The present study concerns itself with the characterization of coal from the mine of Leão II (lower layer), for use in the steel industry with the purpose of generating pulverized coal for injection in the blast furnace. This practice is intended to reduce the cost of coke, by increasing the rate of replacement of Coke by Brazilian low-rank coals. For the study, were carried processing trials, proximate(%) and ultimate(%) analysis, calorific value, petrographic analysis and free swelling index. In the first step of processing tests, it was used density in between densities: 1.3-2, 4 g/cm3, with range of difference of 0.1 and 0.2 to 1.3 densities-1.9 and -2.0 2.4 g/cm3, respectively. It was found that the fraction of 1.3 g/cm3 density showed a minor recovery (2.0%) and an ash content of 4.3%. The biggest masses were obtained in 1.4; 1.5 and 2.4 g/cm3 densities, with 11.1%; 14.3% and 22.2% recovery and 14.9%; 24.3% and 83.4% ash content, respectively. There were chosen the fractional density 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3 with greater recovery on the first step and with ash content around 12 to 18%, as the washability curves. The second stage was floated coal in densities of interest chosen for PCI and led to mass recalls of 13.11% and 27.00%, respectively. So recoveries of weighted averages corresponded to 22.46% to the coals with high carbon content while the unwanted fraction was 80.45% by mass. From the immediate analysis were obtained the contents of the fractions of floated densities of 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3, the following levels: U%- 14.45%; as (% bd)- 15.22%; VM (bd)- 36.04%; VM (daf)- 42.51%; FC(bd)- 50.54% and FC (daf)- 59.6%. The averages of the elemental analysis obtained from two fractions were: total sulphur- 0.54%, total hydrogen- 5.44% and total carbon- 56.74%, respectively. The vitrinite reflector medium power was of 0.46 to 0.48% Ro, being classified as Sub-bituminous B in accordance with the ASTM standard. The value of the calorific average was of 5462 kcal/kg. The fraction FL 1.4 is slightly binder with 0.5 swelling profile because it obtained more vitrinite and focused profile of zero (0) for FL1.5 g/cm3 fraction and NB not agglutinative. From the results the Leão II coal has it was obvious presenting high volatile, good upper calorific value; low levels of S<1% and ashes and humidity reasonable after processing in density of 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm3. So it can be used for PCI, but there is need to do proper mixture with medium carbon and/or high rank to set some properties of interest according to the requirements of each blast furnace.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a caracterização do carvão da mina de Leão IIcamada inferior, com a finalidade de gerar carvão pulverizado para a injeção nas ventaneiras do alto-forno na indústria siderúrgica. Esta prática visa diminuir o custo do coque, através do aumento da taxa de substituição do coque por carvões brasileiros de baixo rank. Para o estudo foram realizados ensaios de beneficiamento, análise imediata e elementar, poder calorífico, análise petrográfica e índice de inchamento livre. Na 1ª etapa de ensaios de beneficiamento, usaram-se densidades entre: 1,3-2,4g/cm3, com intervalo de diferença de 0,1 e 0,2 para as densidades de 1,3-1,9 e 2,0-2,4 g/cm3, respectivamente.Verificou-se que a fração de densidade 1,3 g/cm3 apresentou uma menor recuperação (2,0%) e um teor de cinzas de 4,3%. As maiores massas foram obtidas nas densidades de 1,4; 1,5 e 2,4 g/cm3, com recuperação de 11,1%;14,3% e 22,2% e teores de cinzas de 14,9%; 24,3% e 83,4%, respectivamente. Foram escolhidas as frações de densidades 1,4 e 1,5 g/cm3 com maior recuperação na 1ª etapa e com teor de cinzas em torno de 12 a 18%, conforme as curvas lavabilidade. Na 2ª etapa foi flutuado o carvão nas densidades de interesse escolhidas para o PCI e obtiveram-se recuperações mássicas de 13,11% e 27,00%, respectivamente. Assim as recuperações das médias ponderadas corresponderam a 22,46% para os carvões de interesse com alto teor de matéria carbonosa enquanto para as frações indesejadas obteve-se 80,45% em massa. A partir da análise imediata foram obtidos os teores das frações densidades flutuadas de 1,4 e 1,5 g/cm3, obteve-se os seguintes teores: U%- 14,45%; Cz(%bs)-15,22%;MV(bs)-36,04%; MV(bsic)- 42,51%; CF(bs) -50,54% e CF(bsic)- 59,6%. As médias da análise elementar obtida das duas frações foram: enxofre total-0,54%, hidrogênio total-5,44% e carbono total-56.74%, respectivamente. O poder refletor da vitrinita médio foi de 0,46 a 0,48% Ro, sendo classificado como sub-betuminosoB de acordo com a ASTM. O valor do poder calorífico médio foi de 5462 kcal/kg. A fração FL 1,4 é levemente aglutinante com 0,5 de perfil de inchamento, pois concentrou mais vitrinita e perfil zero (0) para fração de FL 1,5g/cm3 e NB, não sendo aglutinante. A partir dos resultados o carvão de leão II apresenta altos voláteis, bom poder calorífico superior; baixo S<1% e teores de cinzas e umidade razoáveis após beneficiamento em densidade de 1,4 a 1,5g/cm3. Assim pode ser usado para PCI, mas há necessidade de se fazer a devida mistura com carvão de médio e/ou alto rank para ajustar algumas propriedades de interesse de acordo com as exigências de cada alto-forno. / The present study concerns itself with the characterization of coal from the mine of Leão II (lower layer), for use in the steel industry with the purpose of generating pulverized coal for injection in the blast furnace. This practice is intended to reduce the cost of coke, by increasing the rate of replacement of Coke by Brazilian low-rank coals. For the study, were carried processing trials, proximate(%) and ultimate(%) analysis, calorific value, petrographic analysis and free swelling index. In the first step of processing tests, it was used density in between densities: 1.3-2, 4 g/cm3, with range of difference of 0.1 and 0.2 to 1.3 densities-1.9 and -2.0 2.4 g/cm3, respectively. It was found that the fraction of 1.3 g/cm3 density showed a minor recovery (2.0%) and an ash content of 4.3%. The biggest masses were obtained in 1.4; 1.5 and 2.4 g/cm3 densities, with 11.1%; 14.3% and 22.2% recovery and 14.9%; 24.3% and 83.4% ash content, respectively. There were chosen the fractional density 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3 with greater recovery on the first step and with ash content around 12 to 18%, as the washability curves. The second stage was floated coal in densities of interest chosen for PCI and led to mass recalls of 13.11% and 27.00%, respectively. So recoveries of weighted averages corresponded to 22.46% to the coals with high carbon content while the unwanted fraction was 80.45% by mass. From the immediate analysis were obtained the contents of the fractions of floated densities of 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3, the following levels: U%- 14.45%; as (% bd)- 15.22%; VM (bd)- 36.04%; VM (daf)- 42.51%; FC(bd)- 50.54% and FC (daf)- 59.6%. The averages of the elemental analysis obtained from two fractions were: total sulphur- 0.54%, total hydrogen- 5.44% and total carbon- 56.74%, respectively. The vitrinite reflector medium power was of 0.46 to 0.48% Ro, being classified as Sub-bituminous B in accordance with the ASTM standard. The value of the calorific average was of 5462 kcal/kg. The fraction FL 1.4 is slightly binder with 0.5 swelling profile because it obtained more vitrinite and focused profile of zero (0) for FL1.5 g/cm3 fraction and NB not agglutinative. From the results the Leão II coal has it was obvious presenting high volatile, good upper calorific value; low levels of S<1% and ashes and humidity reasonable after processing in density of 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm3. So it can be used for PCI, but there is need to do proper mixture with medium carbon and/or high rank to set some properties of interest according to the requirements of each blast furnace.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a caracterização do carvão da mina de Leão IIcamada inferior, com a finalidade de gerar carvão pulverizado para a injeção nas ventaneiras do alto-forno na indústria siderúrgica. Esta prática visa diminuir o custo do coque, através do aumento da taxa de substituição do coque por carvões brasileiros de baixo rank. Para o estudo foram realizados ensaios de beneficiamento, análise imediata e elementar, poder calorífico, análise petrográfica e índice de inchamento livre. Na 1ª etapa de ensaios de beneficiamento, usaram-se densidades entre: 1,3-2,4g/cm3, com intervalo de diferença de 0,1 e 0,2 para as densidades de 1,3-1,9 e 2,0-2,4 g/cm3, respectivamente.Verificou-se que a fração de densidade 1,3 g/cm3 apresentou uma menor recuperação (2,0%) e um teor de cinzas de 4,3%. As maiores massas foram obtidas nas densidades de 1,4; 1,5 e 2,4 g/cm3, com recuperação de 11,1%;14,3% e 22,2% e teores de cinzas de 14,9%; 24,3% e 83,4%, respectivamente. Foram escolhidas as frações de densidades 1,4 e 1,5 g/cm3 com maior recuperação na 1ª etapa e com teor de cinzas em torno de 12 a 18%, conforme as curvas lavabilidade. Na 2ª etapa foi flutuado o carvão nas densidades de interesse escolhidas para o PCI e obtiveram-se recuperações mássicas de 13,11% e 27,00%, respectivamente. Assim as recuperações das médias ponderadas corresponderam a 22,46% para os carvões de interesse com alto teor de matéria carbonosa enquanto para as frações indesejadas obteve-se 80,45% em massa. A partir da análise imediata foram obtidos os teores das frações densidades flutuadas de 1,4 e 1,5 g/cm3, obteve-se os seguintes teores: U%- 14,45%; Cz(%bs)-15,22%;MV(bs)-36,04%; MV(bsic)- 42,51%; CF(bs) -50,54% e CF(bsic)- 59,6%. As médias da análise elementar obtida das duas frações foram: enxofre total-0,54%, hidrogênio total-5,44% e carbono total-56.74%, respectivamente. O poder refletor da vitrinita médio foi de 0,46 a 0,48% Ro, sendo classificado como sub-betuminosoB de acordo com a ASTM. O valor do poder calorífico médio foi de 5462 kcal/kg. A fração FL 1,4 é levemente aglutinante com 0,5 de perfil de inchamento, pois concentrou mais vitrinita e perfil zero (0) para fração de FL 1,5g/cm3 e NB, não sendo aglutinante. A partir dos resultados o carvão de leão II apresenta altos voláteis, bom poder calorífico superior; baixo S<1% e teores de cinzas e umidade razoáveis após beneficiamento em densidade de 1,4 a 1,5g/cm3. Assim pode ser usado para PCI, mas há necessidade de se fazer a devida mistura com carvão de médio e/ou alto rank para ajustar algumas propriedades de interesse de acordo com as exigências de cada alto-forno. / The present study concerns itself with the characterization of coal from the mine of Leão II (lower layer), for use in the steel industry with the purpose of generating pulverized coal for injection in the blast furnace. This practice is intended to reduce the cost of coke, by increasing the rate of replacement of Coke by Brazilian low-rank coals. For the study, were carried processing trials, proximate(%) and ultimate(%) analysis, calorific value, petrographic analysis and free swelling index. In the first step of processing tests, it was used density in between densities: 1.3-2, 4 g/cm3, with range of difference of 0.1 and 0.2 to 1.3 densities-1.9 and -2.0 2.4 g/cm3, respectively. It was found that the fraction of 1.3 g/cm3 density showed a minor recovery (2.0%) and an ash content of 4.3%. The biggest masses were obtained in 1.4; 1.5 and 2.4 g/cm3 densities, with 11.1%; 14.3% and 22.2% recovery and 14.9%; 24.3% and 83.4% ash content, respectively. There were chosen the fractional density 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3 with greater recovery on the first step and with ash content around 12 to 18%, as the washability curves. The second stage was floated coal in densities of interest chosen for PCI and led to mass recalls of 13.11% and 27.00%, respectively. So recoveries of weighted averages corresponded to 22.46% to the coals with high carbon content while the unwanted fraction was 80.45% by mass. From the immediate analysis were obtained the contents of the fractions of floated densities of 1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3, the following levels: U%- 14.45%; as (% bd)- 15.22%; VM (bd)- 36.04%; VM (daf)- 42.51%; FC(bd)- 50.54% and FC (daf)- 59.6%. The averages of the elemental analysis obtained from two fractions were: total sulphur- 0.54%, total hydrogen- 5.44% and total carbon- 56.74%, respectively. The vitrinite reflector medium power was of 0.46 to 0.48% Ro, being classified as Sub-bituminous B in accordance with the ASTM standard. The value of the calorific average was of 5462 kcal/kg. The fraction FL 1.4 is slightly binder with 0.5 swelling profile because it obtained more vitrinite and focused profile of zero (0) for FL1.5 g/cm3 fraction and NB not agglutinative. From the results the Leão II coal has it was obvious presenting high volatile, good upper calorific value; low levels of S<1% and ashes and humidity reasonable after processing in density of 1.4 to 1.5 g/cm3. So it can be used for PCI, but there is need to do proper mixture with medium carbon and/or high rank to set some properties of interest according to the requirements of each blast furnace.

Recently, an efficient resource model updating framework was proposed with the aim of improving the raw material quality control and process efficiency in any type of mining operation. This includes the integration of online-sensor measurements that are obtained during the production into the resource model. The concept has been applied in a coal mining environment with the aim of identifying local impurities in a coal seam and to improve the prediction of coal quality attributes in neighbouring blocks. The goal of this presentation is to demonstrate how the use of the resource model updating framework can provide added value for the mining industry. Both economical and environmental considerations are taken into account when the added value is investigated.

New emission legislation regarding air pollution control, as instructed by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to Eskom Generation Power Stations, implies a particulate emission limit of 100 mg/Nm3 for all existing power stations by 2015 and 50 mg/Nm3 for all new and existing power stations by the year 2020. Some of Eskom’s power stations which are equipped with Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP’s) were not designed for this stringent legislation. It is also experienced that ESP’s and coal quality in Eskom have deteriorated over time, resulting in the performance of the ESP’s not meeting the legislative requirements. Eskom is in the process of introducing various ESP enhancement projects to improve performance and aligning the operating philosophy to comply with the more stringent particulate emission legislation. An ESP efficiency test was conducted at Lethabo Power Station to determine the current state of the plant and performance. The results of the test were compared with the original design base specifications to determine the relevant deficiencies which contribute to high emissions and poor ESP performance. It was aimed to develop an ESP simulation model and validate the outputs with the test data. This study endeavours to demonstrate the greater impact on ESP performance when the ESP is operated outside the design specification. It is further aimed to demonstrate that a solution to the problem of high emissions is not only contributed by the variables within the ESP itself. This study is a coal to stack evaluation considering the ESP variables and the upstream conditions of the ESP that form part of the entire process. The intention of this study is to demonstrate the importance of operating an ESP at the designed parameters and highlight the significance of proper maintenance. It was learned that before any ESP enhancement technology can be implemented, the ESP and upstream conditions must be in accordance with design specifications. The implementation of an ESP enhancement technology will have no merit or justification on a unit that is being operated outside of its design specifications. The results obtained from the ESP simulation model correlated well with the ESP efficiency test data. The expectation of the model to assist operators and engineers to operate ESP’s according to the designer’s specifications was conceded. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

New emission legislation regarding air pollution control, as instructed by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to Eskom Generation Power Stations, implies a particulate emission limit of 100 mg/Nm3 for all existing power stations by 2015 and 50 mg/Nm3 for all new and existing power stations by the year 2020. Some of Eskom’s power stations which are equipped with Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP’s) were not designed for this stringent legislation. It is also experienced that ESP’s and coal quality in Eskom have deteriorated over time, resulting in the performance of the ESP’s not meeting the legislative requirements. Eskom is in the process of introducing various ESP enhancement projects to improve performance and aligning the operating philosophy to comply with the more stringent particulate emission legislation. An ESP efficiency test was conducted at Lethabo Power Station to determine the current state of the plant and performance. The results of the test were compared with the original design base specifications to determine the relevant deficiencies which contribute to high emissions and poor ESP performance. It was aimed to develop an ESP simulation model and validate the outputs with the test data. This study endeavours to demonstrate the greater impact on ESP performance when the ESP is operated outside the design specification. It is further aimed to demonstrate that a solution to the problem of high emissions is not only contributed by the variables within the ESP itself. This study is a coal to stack evaluation considering the ESP variables and the upstream conditions of the ESP that form part of the entire process. The intention of this study is to demonstrate the importance of operating an ESP at the designed parameters and highlight the significance of proper maintenance. It was learned that before any ESP enhancement technology can be implemented, the ESP and upstream conditions must be in accordance with design specifications. The implementation of an ESP enhancement technology will have no merit or justification on a unit that is being operated outside of its design specifications. The results obtained from the ESP simulation model correlated well with the ESP efficiency test data. The expectation of the model to assist operators and engineers to operate ESP’s according to the designer’s specifications was conceded. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014