Abstract

The behavior of Opuntia ficus-indica , a cactaceous species, under co-firing with coal, is evaluated and compared to that of Pinus radiata, in terms of heat transfer, ash deposits formation and pollutant emissions, in a 150 kW fluidized bed pilot plant. The results revealed a variation of the temperature profile inside the reactor, as well as a relationship between the efficacy factor and the base-acid ratio. The heat transfer coefficient in the dense bed evidenced a decrease in the heat transfer due to variations of the mean particle diameter. Alsa environmental benefits are produce whe opuntia is used instead pinus.