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BURNING PRB COAL

Fire-protection guidelines for handling and storing PRB coal
Most plants that burn PRB coal were not designed to deal with the fuel’s propensity to ignite in bunkers, silos, and hoppers. Recognizing this, the PRB Coal Users’ Group has come up with a set of recommended practices for safely preventing, detecting, and extinguishing coal fires at power plants.
By Edward B. Douberly, Utility FPE Group Inc.

T

he PRB Coal Users’ Group has developed recommended fire-prevention practices and guidelines for plants that burn PRB coal by itself or in blends. The guidelines are not equipment-specific because the physical layouts of coal-handling facilities vary significantly and because all fires are unique. The guidelines also are not comprehensive; their purpose is to recommend general practices that must be adapted for the specific needs of your plant. The guidelines provide information about three areas: fire prevention and detection, firefighting equipment and training, and firefighting.

Fire prevention and detection
Operators familiar with the unique requirements of burning PRB coal will tell you that it’s not a case of “if” you will have a PRB coal fire, it’s “when.” The prevention of fires and explosions is the foremost objective for any plant burning PRB coal. Although prevention is cheaper than repairing fire and explosion damage, its costs always seem difficult to justify. Fire prevention must be addressed in the following areas. Housekeeping. Housekeeping means controlling dust and preventing spills. For example, float dust must be contained within transfer points, and spillage from belts must be minimized. The accumulation of PRB coal below a conveyor or on conveyor parts can contribute to spontaneous combustion. Float dust either in the air or settled on beams, pipes, conduits, equipment, and fixtures provides fuel for explosions. A manual, daily washdown with a hose is beneficial but generally is not totally effective in removing PRB coal