Development of a vortex combustor (VC) for space/water heating applications (proof-of-concept model development). Technical progress report No. 6, [1 February 1989--30 April 1989]

This is the sixth quarterly Technical Progress Report for the development of a proof-of-concept vortex combustor under interagency agreement DE-AI22-87PC79660 covering the period between 1 February 1989 and 30 April 1989. The Vortex Combustor (VC) under development here is a device to burn either Dry Ultrafine Coal (DUC) or Coal-Water Fuel (CWF) in a high swirl and low temperature environment. Being a new concept technical data relevant to the design of the proof-of-concept model is practically nonexistent. In order to minimize the risk of uncertainties, sufficient basic design data must be generated first. To achieve this, two subscale models have been built: A 0.15 MB/H exploratory model and a 0.6 MB/H experimental model. A proof-of-concept (POC) model will then be designed and built for demonstrating the concept. Work on the exploratory model has been completed and reported in our fifth quarterly technical progress report. It will be reported also in a separate topical report. During this reporting period, preparations for testing the experimental model have been completed and the setup satisfactorily shakedown tented. The design of POC model has been approved. The results are summarized in this report.