The Coal & Combustion Laboratory at NTPC NETRA, accredited by NABL, is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for advanced testing, research, and characterization of coal, biomass, alternative fuels, and combustion by-products. The laboratory plays a pivotal role in supporting thermal power plants through data-driven insights for fuel quality assessment, combustion optimization, and emission control.
A key focus area of the laboratory is co-firing of conventional coal with alternative fuels, including biomass, municipal solid waste (MSW) sludge, and torrefied biomass. These studies are designed to enhance combustion efficiency, improve boiler performance, mitigate fuel-related operational challenges, and enable seamless integration of alternative fuels in existing power plants.
Through systematic evaluation of coal–biomass blending ratios, combustion compatibility, fuel reactivity, and emission characteristics, the laboratory actively supports NTPC’s strategic initiatives toward carbon footprint reduction, sustainable fuel utilization, and energy transition.
Facilities & Capabilities
• Proximate & Ultimate Analysis (TGA, CHNS)
• GCV Measurement (Bomb Calorimeter)
• Ash Fusion Temperature Profiling (AFT Analyser, Heating Microscope)
• Thermal Reactivity & Kinetics (DSC, STA)
• Coal Chlorine, Abrasion Index & HGI
• Particle Size Analysis
• Biomass Pellet Mechanical Durability
• Bond Work Index of Limestone
• Ash, Limestone & Gypsum Composition (EDXRF)