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Assessing Structural Integrity and Remaining Life of Boiler Tubing

Power plant operators looking to get the most out of their existing steam generating systems are constantly faced with the decision to “run, repair or replace” their equipment and prevent unplanned outages that impact operations. As boiler tube failure is the leading cause of unscheduled availability loss, an important preventive measure is testing boiler tubes to analyze their condition and gauge their remaining useful life.

10 Ways to Minimize Grate Wear in a Waste-to-Energy Boiler

Thermal and mechanical grate wear increases maintenance costs. If the grate is not operated correctly, or if combustion is not properly managed, wear accelerates and there is risk of substantial damage. As a fuel, waste tends to be unpredictable and varies over time. It presents challenges for the plant, and can cause mechanical, thermal and chemical wear.

Factors that Affect ESP Collection Efficiency and Ways to Improve Performance

This article will review several design and operational problems that will negatively affect the collection performance of an ESP. It will also outline potential modifications to help improve performance and efficiency.

Basics of Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) Operation

Gas velocity between the plates is also an important factor in the collection process since lower velocities permit more time for the charged particles to move to the CEs and reduce the likelihood of migrating back into the gas stream (re-entrainment). A series of CE and DE sections is generally necessary to achieve overall particulate collection requirements.

Boiler Operations That Affect Efficiency (Part 1)

Fuel is a major cost in boiler operation. It is therefore important to minimize fuel consumption and maximize steam production. Although a boiler’s efficiency is primarily a result of its design, the operator can maintain or significantly improve efficiency by controlling losses to the stack and losses to the ash pit.

A Numerical Modeling Example – Sorbent Injection Systems

To minimize the amount of sorbent used, it must be injected into the flue with a properly engineered lance that effectively disperses it into the gas, and the flow conditions in the flue must be sufficient for the particles to stay suspended for the required residence time to complete the desired absorption.

The Importance of Boiler Water and Steam Chemistry

To maintain boiler integrity and performance and to provide steam of suitable turbine or process purity, boiler feedwater must be purified and chemically conditioned. The amount and nature of feedwater impurities that can be accommodated depend on boiler operating pressure, boiler design, steam purity requirements, type of boiler water internal treatment, blowdown rate, and whether the feedwater is used for steam attemperation.

15 Power Plant Safety Tips

B&W values the health and safety of each employee and will never be satisfied until the workplace is free of accidents and injuries. Our focus on safety extends to our customers, contractors, suppliers, and all those who we interact with, whether on a job site, in a manufacturing facility, or even in an office setting.

A Numerical Modeling Example – Kraft Recovery Boilers

Good air jet penetration and effective mixing of secondary and tertiary air are desirable for complete combustion and reduced emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide. Distribution of air to three or more air injection levels produces fuel-rich conditions in the lower furnace that are desirable for smelt reduction and reduced NOx emissions.

Boiler Cycling Considerations

Cycling operation can shorten the life span of such equipment based on number and duration of cycles. A thorough condition assessment program can determine potential equipment modifications that can make the unit more flexible and alleviate possible problem areas.

Finding the Root Cause of Boiler Tube Failures

Identifying and correcting the root cause of tube failures is essential to help lessen the chance of future problems. A comprehensive assessment is the most effective method of determining the root cause of a failure. A tube failure is usually a symptom of other problems.

Numerical Modeling in Power Plant Applications - An Overview

Continuous and steady advances in computer technology have changed the way engineering design and analyses are performed. These advances allow engineers to manage larger-scale problems and more complex systems, or to look in more detail at a specific process. Using advanced computer technology to perform engineering analysis, numerical modeling has emerged as an important field in engineering.

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