Investigating co-firing characteristics of coal and masson pine

Co-firing characteristics of masson pine and coal was determined using thermogravimetric analysis at different heat rates in an air atmosphere. The kinetic parameters were calculated using Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose and Coats-Redfern method. Pollutant emission and ash characteristics were also investigated. Results showed that all samples had two separated combustion zones during co-firing process except for coal, corresponding to volatile and char combustion. CO2 had the highest releases and SO2 had the lowest release. The chemical compositions and thermodynamic properties of blend ash were similar with coal ash. The optimum blend ratio was 20% masson pine and 80% coal because it had the similar kinetic parameters and ash characteristics with coal. Furthermore, it also had a lower pollutant emission. The results from this research will be helpful to develop masson pine as fuel products in China.