Frequently Asked Questions.
Q. Why are MTI’s services beneficial?
A. MTI helps its clients save thousands to millions of dollars in operation costs. We can help predict, prevent, and solve costly system problems through our advanced analysis methods by determining and predicting the effects of ash on combustion and environmental system performance. Based on 15 years of business in fuels analysis, we have the knowledge and experience to guide system managers towards the most efficient and cost-effective operation possible. Call us today at 701-777-6530 to learn how we can serve you.
Q. We have an ash deposition problem. How can MTI help us to determine what caused it?
A. To determine the cause of an ash deposition problem, MTI uses SEM point count (SEMPC) analysis and morphological analysis. These analyses methods provide information on the degree of melting and interaction of the various deposited ash particles. SEMPC supplies a quantitative determination of the abundance of phases present in the ash. By examining the phases present, the material responsible for the formation of the deposit is identified.
The SEMPC technique is also used to identify and quantify the amount of melted phases and their viscosities. These melt phases are responsible for ash deposition. This information is used to determine the origin of the liquid phase components and operating conditions (temperature and oxygen) that caused the deposit to form. In addition, various regions in deposits and individual entrained ash particles are examined to determine the changes that occurred with operating conditions (temperature and oxygen levels).
Morphological analysis supplements the SEMPC analysis well because it provides information about the physical relationships of the microscopic components of the deposit. Morphological analysis reveals the size, crystallinity, and juxtaposition of the phases present.
MTI is the “CSI” of the slagging and fouling world. MTI’s experience base along with advanced methods of analysis allow for the determination of the fuel components and operating conditions responsible for the formation of ash deposition. Information from the analysis of ash deposits provides insight into the optimum temperatures of operation for a given fuel.
Q. How can MTI help us improve our power plant operations?
A. MTI developed Coal Quality Management Systems (CQMS) software to help coal mining and power plant operations personnel use fuel quality information to make operational adjustments that increase plant efficiency and minimize maintenance costs.
Using CCSEM and chemical fractionation fuel quality data, CQMS can provide relative comparisons of fuels by calculating the following power system performance indices: Convective Pass Fouling, Wall Slagging, Cyclone Slagging, Wear Indices, Deposit Strength, Slag Flow Behavior, and Ash Resistivity.
These advanced power system performance indices directly relate coal characteristics to ash behavior in a coal-fired utility boiler. The ability of the CQMS-generated indices to provide valid quantitative projections is related to specific boiler operation. Our results to date have been very promising; and we have helped numerous power plants and utilities attain more efficient operation.
Q. How long has Microbeam been in the fuel industry business?
A. In 1992, MTI began as a spin-off laboratory from the University
of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC). Steve
Benson founded MTI with the mission to provide service
analyses for coal industry clients using specialized scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) techniques developed at the EERC.
Q. Who are MTI's clients?
A. Since Microbeam established offices in Grand Forks, North Dakota, it
has developed an extensive list of client companies. A partial list of
clients is included below: