What should be the consequence of a fuel containing higher ash content during combustion?

The presence of higher ash content in fuel during combustion leads to higher emissions primarily due to the formation of particulate matter and other pollutants that can result from the combustion of ash-laden fuels. When fuel is burned, the minerals present in the ash do not combust and can contribute to smoke and other unwanted emissions. This not only affects air quality but can also lead to increased emissions of specific pollutants, such as sulfur oxides and heavy metals if the ash contains these elements.

Additionally, high ash content can result in the need for more sophisticated pollution control measures to meet regulatory standards, contributing to higher operational costs and potential environmental issues. Reducing emissions is a critical concern in power engineering, particularly with respect to environmental regulations and sustainability. Hence, managing ash content is an important factor in the design and operation of combustion systems in power plants.