Development of a coal fired pulse combustor for residential space heating (Phase 1-A). Technical progress report, December 1988--February 1989

A detailed description of the background, technology and application for the development of a coal-fired pulse combustor for residential space heating was provided in the first quarterly report for the period October 1986 - December 1986, That material is omitted from this report. In May of 1988, DOE Contract No. DE-AC22-86PC90278 was modified with the addition of two new Tasks - 1.6 and 13 - as a Phase IA to bridge the gap between Phase I and II of the program. The descriptions of these tasks are now included in Section 1.1. Testing activities during this period were minimal with all effort focused upon resolving the issues associated with the extremely low slurry feed rates required for the unit. The use of a constant pressure slurry feed system followed by a low head peristaltic pump was successful for short periods of time providing the required slurry atomization but exceeded pump design specifications leading to rupture of the peristaltic tube. An attempt was made to locate a commercial pump with the required duty; delivering 1 to 2 gallons per hour at up to 100 psi but could not be located. Design modifications for the peristaltic pump were therefore initiated to meet the system and cost requirements