1.2.4. Volatile matter
Compared with coals, agricultural residues are characterized
by higher contents of volatile matter. This indicates that
the residues are easier to ignite and to burn, although the
combustion is expected to be rapid and difficult to control.
The high volatile matter contents are also expected to affect
the overall combustion process. Experience with the
combustion of sewage sludge, showed that the high volatile
matter contents significantly affect the combustion process
[14,16]. The implication of this is that the design and operation
principles normally adopted for coal combustion
systems, may not be applied for the combustion of agricultural
residues. Care must be taken to achieve complete
combustion of the volatiles to ensure higher combustion
efficiency and low emissions of CO, hydrocarbons and
PAH.