Philip van Eyk

PhD Candidate

BE (Chem.) /BSc Hons (Adelaide)

Location: Room A303 Engineering North Annex
Email: peyk@chemeng.adelaide.edu.au
Phone: + 61 8 8303 4645
FAX: +61 8 8303 4373

Supervisors

Dr Peter Ashman, Chemical Engineering
A/Prof Graham (Gus) Nathan, Mechanical Engineering
Dr Zeyad Alwahabi, Chemical Engineering

Research Topic

Release of sodium atoms during coal combustion

Research Abstract

Fouling of boiler tubes in industrial coal fired boilers leads to inefficient heat transfer within the furnace. In order to keep the efficiency of the boilers at a reasonable level, the heat transfer surfaces need to be cleaned often which costs the electricity generators a substantial amount of capital and time. The release of volatile sodium species during coal combustion has been shown to be a significant factor in fouling and corrosion of heat transfer surfaces within these boilers. This project will study the release of sodium atoms from coal combustion with the aim that by understanding the mechanisms the operational difficulties due to fouling may be reduced.

Interests

• Laminar and turbulent gaseous flames, and coal and bio-mass flames.