“Coal-fired Boiler Optimization” is Hot Topic on October 11, 2012

 

In order to accommodate the number of persons that desired to make a presentation on this subject and keep the Hot Topic Hour within a reasonable time, we split it into two sessions — the first on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 10 a.m. Central time and the second on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 10 a.m. Central time. Persons that registered for the first session were automatically registered for the second session at no additional cost.

 

Boiler operators have always been interested in improving the efficiency of their operations to reduce cost but today they are looking at efficiency improvements as part of the solution to some of the other concerns they are faced with. Improving efficiency of the combustion process and heat recovery of only a few percent can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in fuel and other material costs. Improving boiler efficiency will also reduce the total CO2 emissions and help to meet the new regulations for GHG reduction being imposed by states and soon the U.S. EPA as well as reduce emissions of other criteria pollutants.

 

Executives are increasing asking utility engineers questions regarding boiler efficiency improvement such as: What are the available systems, technologies and methods for improving efficiency and who provides them? Have these systems, technology and methods been proven in other plants with the same configuration as mine? What is the impact on maintenance and overall operating cost? Is there a tradeoff between cost and reductions in emissions? What is the best way to improve efficiency or where will we get the best bang for the buck, so to speak? Should we invest in optimization software and/or additional monitoring instrumentation?

 

The following speakers will help us understand the process of improving boiler efficiency; explain how to obtain optimum efficiency, availability and performance; describe the technologies available and under development with their applicability, capabilities and limitations; summarize the costs involved and the benefits that can be attained; and describe their real world experience with improving the operating efficiency of fossil-fueled power plant boilers.

 

The speakers on Thursday, October 11, 2012 were:

 

Keith Moore, President of Castle Light Energy Corp.

 

Ati Manay, PMP, P.E., Product Manager of “SMART Clean” at Clyde Bergemann Power Group Americas, will discuss “On Load Boiler Cleaning Optimization Technologies and its Integration into Boiler Back End Equipment Temperature Control.” His presentation included:

 

Review of best available On Load Cleaning Optimization Technologies, SMART Feedback Devices, and their integration into different optimization goals for the power boilers.

Stephen Storm, Principal and Owner of both Stephen Storm, Inc. and SX Powertech, LLC, presented “Inter-relationships of Combustion, Efficiency, Reliability & Air Pollution Control.” When assessing the inter-relationships of combustion, efficiency, reliability and air pollution control, the evaluation must be "holistic" and comprehensive in nature. The control of combustion and heat transfer with large steam generators is contingent upon how well the fuel, air and flue gas is distributed, while also managing the combustion byproducts. Then, the performance and reliability of the air pollution control equipment is subject to the quality and volume of gas being treated. With that being said, the purpose of this presentation is to share experiences, observations and industry challenges.