Measuring Abrasiveness of Solid Fuels and Other Materials by a Radiochemical Method

Abstract

A new method for predicting pulverizer grinding element wear has been developed. This paper describes a laboratory model, ball-and-race, grinding machine, and a radioactive tracer technique used to determine the relative abrasiveness of solid fuels. A procedure for determination of the quartz content of coals was developed, and its relationship to abrasiveness is discussed. Results of testing the abrasiveness of numerous coals and some materials other than coal are presented. A comparison of laboratory abrasion results with actual field wear data is given. Included is a method of application of the experimental wear data to design considerations for new units and also in anticipating wear rates of milling equipment in use.