Karner, FR
1994
New Analysis Techniques Help Control Boiler Fouling
Karner, F.R.; Zygarlicke, C.J.; Brekke, D.W.; Steadman, E.N. and Benson, S.A.
Power Engineering, 98:35-38, 1994. Funded by US Department of Energy, Brigham Young University and Electric Power Research Institute.
Severe boiler fouling can be controlled. But, it demands a thorough understanding of how minor changes in the chemical and physical properties of coal and ash and operating conditions can cause hardened deposits. Traditional analytical techniques have helped reveal some of these mechanisms in the past, but limitations inherent to the analysis left many questions unanswered.
Now, however, scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis (SEM/EMPA) provide researchers with the analytical tools necessary to truly understand deposit formation mechanisms. These new techniques are exposing the size, shape, and chemistry of the myriad individual ash particles formed when coal burns. This and other data can be used to predict combustion behavior and its impact on ash deposition, waterwall slagging, and other steam tube deposits.
Microanalysis is capable of helping operators to identify more efficient and cost effective corrective measures as well. Recognized control methods (i.e., soot-blowing or plant capacity reductions) are often expensive and ineffective. The same is true for trial and error operating changes. Logic dictates analyzing coal and ash deposits first and then modifying operating procedures accordingly; SEM/EMPA facilitates the process.
Karner, FR
1994
New Analysis Techniques Help Control Boiler Fouling
Karner, F.R.; Zygarlicke, C.J.; Brekke, D.W.; Steadman, E.N. and Benson, S.A.
Power Engineering, 98:35-38, 1994. Funded by US Department of Energy, Brigham Young University and Electric Power Research Institute.
Severe boiler fouling can be controlled. But, it demands a thorough understanding of how minor changes in the chemical and physical properties of coal and ash and operating conditions can cause hardened deposits. Traditional analytical techniques have helped reveal some of these mechanisms in the past, but limitations inherent to the analysis left many questions unanswered.
Now, however, scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis (SEM/EMPA) provide researchers with the analytical tools necessary to truly understand deposit formation mechanisms. These new techniques are exposing the size, shape, and chemistry of the myriad individual ash particles formed when coal burns. This and other data can be used to predict combustion behavior and its impact on ash deposition, waterwall slagging, and other steam tube deposits.
Microanalysis is capable of helping operators to identify more efficient and cost effective corrective measures as well. Recognized control methods (i.e., soot-blowing or plant capacity reductions) are often expensive and ineffective. The same is true for trial and error operating changes. Logic dictates analyzing coal and ash deposits first and then modifying operating procedures accordingly; SEM/EMPA facilitates the process.