I have vague recollections of water reacting with hot coal to produce
water gas/producer gas(?); can't remember the exact composition but
probably a mixture of CO and H2, amongst other things. As others
have indicated, I am sure it all depends on the amount of water you
add as to whether it helps or hinders the process.
David Poyner
On 1 Apr 2003 at 20:05, Graham Owens wrote:
>> From my own experience spraying water onto burning coal stocks
only helps
> intensify the burning. As explained elsewhere on other posting heat
> exponentially increases the rate of oxidation, effectively the steam
> created propagates heat through a greater area resulting in more extensive
> areas of burning. Obviously complete drowning the coal in water will
> effectively swamp areas of burning, but has a significant detrimental
> effect on coal quality. We always found compacting the coal to minimise air
> leakage is vital, and then to physically dig out burning material and then
> compact the effected area asap was the most effective solution.
>
> Incidentally I believe that the bunkers on the Titanic were ablaze enough
> before setting sail, yet this was considered common place and not a issue
> of major concern (for some reason icebergs also come to mind!!!)
>
> Graham Owens
>
|