Multivariate statistical analysis on the behaviour of sodium in coal in the initial stage of combustion

Soldium is largely responsible for the fouling/slagging problems encountered during the combustion of the coals and corrosion/erosion of the blades of gas turbines in PFBC. Multivariate statistical analysis was utilized to determine the linear relations between four modes of occurrence of sodium in the initial stage of combustion. The calculating results of coefficients of partial correlation showed that there exist definitely linear relations in these modes, and the relations change according to the diversities of coal, temperature and ambience. Regression equations were also given to describe these correlations.