Boiler cleaning systems

Steam generating plants are cleaned on-line by regularly removing ash deposits that accumulate on heat transfer surfaces. This maintains maximum thermal efficiency of the boiler (optimizes heat rate) and maintains flue gas temperatures within design conditions at key location. This, in turn, supports the optimum operation of air pollution control equipment. On-line cleaning also prevents the blockage and plugging of gas passages in the boiler.

Cleaning medium

An effective method of on-line boiler cleaning is to direct a concentrated jet of cleaning medium against the soot of ash buildup. The cleaning medium may be saturated steam, superheated steam, compressed air or water. Combinations of water with other media such as steam or air, have also proven effective but can cause boiler tube damage.

Superheated steam is the most widely used medium for several reasons. Boiler-generated steam avoids the cost and maintenance of a compressor. Because it is generally extracted from a high pressure steam outlet and its pressure reduced by regulating valves, steam provides flexibility in case more aggressive cleaning is required. Superheated steam is generally recommended over saturated steam to avoid condensation in the cleaning flow, which can accelerate boiler tube erosion or result in thermal cracking.

Application of sootblowers

The application of sootblowers is individual for each boiler. In general sootblowers are use for cleaning Superheater, Reheater and Economizer.

There are several types of sootblowers like full retractable, half retractable, oscillating and rake type of sootblowers.

The design and layout of sootblowers is individual and specific to meet the installation requirements like flue gas temperature, cleaning effect, cleaning area, etc.

Intelligent Sootblowing enables to use the cleaning force of the sootblowers selectively and targetly according to the demand of the steam generator.