Computer Applications.
MTI uses a variety of advanced software and computer programming for providing quantitative information and a more accurate means of determining and predicting the effects of ash on combustion and environmental system performance. Learn more about our computer applications below.
Computer-Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy
(CCSEM)
Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) analysis is used
to characterize coal samples and fly ash. The computer-controlled scanning
electron microscope is programmed to locate then determine the size, composition,
and abundance of particles. Because the analysis is automated, a large
number of particles can be analyzed quickly and consistently. Information
derived from the CCSEM technique is used in conjunction with basic coal
analyses, including ultimate and ash composition analyses, to predict
performance in various systems.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Point Count
(SEMPC)
The SEMPC technique is used to characterize entrained ash and deposits.
It provides information on the degree of melting and interaction of various
deposited ash particles as well as quantitative information on the abundance
of phases present. This information is used to identify the material responsible
for the deposit. SEMPC can be used to identify and quantify the amount
of melted phases and their viscosities. Various regions in deposits and
individual entrained ash particles can be examined to determine the changes
that occurred with operating conditions (temperature and oxygen levels).
Coal Quality Management System Software
To evaluate fuel performance, MTI developed Coal Quality Management System
(CQMS) software. This software calculates advanced indices relating coal
characteristics to ash behavior in a coal-fired utility boiler. Developed
in June 1995, CQMS has been tested on over 600 coals from all over the
world. The software was developed because the prediction of ash behavior
using conventional ASTM methods of analysis is inadequate to determine
the chemical and physical characteristics of inorganic components in the
coal. The software utilizes computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy
(CCSEM) and chemical fractionation data as input as well as ash composition
and ultimate analysis.
Learn about specific indices calculated by CQMS. (See
Ash Performance Indices.)