Types of Coal Storage Sheds

During the storage of coal many challenges arise such as spontaneous combustion of coal, loss of GCV (gross calorific value) and fugitive dust emissions. Due to rise of these kinds of problems there is a significant monetary and environmental loss. Coal storage sheds are considered as the perfect solution to overcome the challenges. With the help of coal storage sheds, these problems can be eliminated easily without damaging the environment. There are 2 types of Coal storage sheds-

1. COAL STORAGE - BARREL VAULT SHED

In this case, coal storage will be formed by the conventional rail mounted stacker cum reclaimer machines will be covered within the shed. The length and span of the shed could be adopted depending on the quantity of the storage required. In case of future expansion the length of the shed can be increased and same stacker reclaimer can be used for higher volumes. 

2. COAL STORAGE - DOME SHED

In this type of structure, the shape of the shed will be in the semi hemispherical form. There will be a concrete wall up to a certain height from the ground level and the structure will be erected above this wall. The dome structure of various sizes could be adopted depending on the quantity of storage required. A circular stacker and scraper type reclaimer could be used for reclaiming the coal. With this type of shed, coal will protected from wind and rain and hence the problems associated with these will be avoided. This kind of storage shed can accommodate higher quantity of coal in a smaller area as the height of storage could be increased. 

About Hindustan Alcox

We at Hindustan Alcox are the leading coal storage shed manufacturer in India. We provide practical solutions to these above challenges, in most efficient and cost reducing ways to provide our clients with the best available solutions in storage and handling of any type of bulk storage.

Read More - Impact of Open Coal Stockpiles 

Impact of Open Coal Stockpiles

Majority of the coal stockpiles inside the Indian power plant are open type built with various kinds of stackers and reclaimers. This type of open storage poses both environmental and functional loss. There are several problems being faced with the present type of open stockpile system.

Functionality loss-

1) Combustion of Coal – Spontaneous coal combustion in open storage is one of the major concerns in the thermal power plant. The spontaneous combustion of coal in the open stockpile results in the degradation of the coal and causes changes in the physical and chemical properties of the coal.

2) Loss of GCV – Coal loses the gross calorific value when stored in the open. This increases the amount of energy required per unit

.

3) Loss of Coal – 2.4% of coal goes to waste due to erosion by wind and percolation of the coal during rainfall.

Environmental loss-

1) Fugitive dust nuisance from the stockpile due to the wind – Due to the fugitive dust emission from the stockpile, dust particles will be carried by wind and causes pollution. This would pollute the plant area and could cause damage to the other utilities like cooling towers, switch yard etc in the power plant.

2) Ground Water Contamination – Percolation of the coal particles with the rain water contaminates the ground water.

In view of the problems faced in the open type stockpile, there are many alternative methods of storing the coal but Coal Storage Sheds are the best possible solution to address the issues listed above. Coal Storage sheds is highly specialized and comes with following advantages. The cost of structure is 30-40% lower as compared to other conventional structures. This structure installation does not impact the productivity of the plant. Since this structure uses circular sections that coal dust accumulation is kept minimal on the members.

About Hindustan Alcox Limited

With over 30 years of experience in it, we at Hindustan Alcox Limited are the leading Coal storage shed manufacturer in India. We provide practical solutions to these above challenges, in most efficient and cost reducing ways and satisfy our clients with the best available solutions in storage and handling of any type of bulk storage.

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Keys To Proper Coal Storage

Coal storage and handling is a common challenge faced in Thermal Power and Captive thermal power plants. In order to ensure safe and efficient coal storage, special attention shall be given to the following guidelines: 

Simple Step for Coal Storage:

• Coal storage shed is the finest possible solution in recent times for coal storage as it protects the coal from rainfall and spontaneous combustion thereby maintains the Gross calorific Value hence improving the plant efficiency.

• Another step in preventing spontaneous combustion is to take preventive measures. The coal stockpile should comply with principles of Proper stockpile management; packing it in horizontal layers, followed by levelling and dozing at continuous intervals.

• Sealing stockpiles is another effective way to prevent these kinds of coal storage problems and ensure that they comply with the demanding regulatory requirements.

• When the coal is not being used, it should be observed for rising temperature and gas levels. With routine observations, you can ensure the temperature of your stockpile remains around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and well below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Crucial measures are required to assure proper maintenance of the coal stockpile in order to run an efficient, environmentally-friendly coal plant. Improper Coal Storage can reduce the coal quality significantly primarily due to loss of gross calorific value and material loss.

The prime objective of coal storage is to reduce loss by preventing spontaneous combustion and minimizing coal loss. Spontaneous combustion occurs in coal piles when low-temperature oxidation slowly heats up the material to a volatile point. Spontaneous combustion can cause:

•          The decrease in Calorific Value

•          Fire, if the temperature exceeds the critical value

•          The decrease in Carbon and Hydrogen content and an increase of Oxygen %

ABOUT HINDUSTAN ALCOX

Over the last three Decades, Hindustan Alcox is an industry leader in manufacturing coal storage sheds. We identify and eliminate unnecessary energy losses from the processes by providing the best choice for covering coal under storage shed.

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