THE MODERN COAL-FIRED SHIP DESIGN FACTORS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Some Australian owners have been considering the re-introduction of coal-fired steamships, and the Author (of W.F. Ellis Associates Pty Ltd., Sydney) here discusses the design of such ships from this viewpoint. The coal and ash handling systems proposed for these ships do not differ much from the proven technology of the 1950s. In the preliminary design of the ships, fluidised-bed and pulverised-coal firing were considered, but it was thought that, though both systems have a promising future, their application would at present be premature, and it was decided to retain spreader stokers and return chain grates. These design matters are discussed, together with a brief consideration of steam conditions, electrical systems, and control systems. The change from continuous manning (as in the coal-fired ships of the 1950s) to 16/24 unmanned operation would be no greater than that in motor ships. Advantage could be taken of developments, such as membrane wall furnaces in land-based boilers. Some general comparisons are made between oil-fired and coal-fired ships in respect of bunker layout and equipment. Fuel costs per cargo tonne/mile are compared between two 77,000-dwt bulk carriers, one a motor-ship and the other a coal-fired steamship, designed for a specific trade; the comparison favours the steamship. Converting steamships from oil to coal firing would involve two major factors: boilers and bunkers. It is not practicable to convert the existing boilers (unless a considerable loss in speed is acceptable), but the modification of bunker arrangements may be possible in some types of ship. From a study now being made for the conversion of a fast container-ship, entailing a very slight reduction in cargo capacity, it would appear that the conversion costs would be more than justified by savings in fuel costs, with the ship maintaining its high-speed operating schedules. Order from BSRA as No. 54,280.
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Supplemental Notes:
- First International Coal Fired Ships Conference, London, April 1980.
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Authors:
- Ellis, F
- Conference:
- Publication Date: 1980-4
Media Info
- Pagination: 11 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Alternate fuels; Coal fuels; Combustion; Engine rooms; Fossil fuel power plants; Ships; Steam power plants; Vehicle design
- Uncontrolled Terms: Ship design
- Old TRIS Terms: Coal burning equipment; Combustion technology; Power plant conversion; Steam plant efficiency; Unmanned engine rooms
- Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00324771
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: British Ship Research Association
- Report/Paper Numbers: Paper No. 5
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Mar 12 1981 12:00AM