Can You Improve Precipitator Performance With Power Supply Changes?

“Hot Topic Hour” Next Week

The “Hot Topic” discussion next week (August 23 at 9:00 a.m. CDT) will be on advancements in precipitator power supplies.  Many operators around the world are facing either lower emission limits or the need to maintain performance with a wider range of fuels.

One solution is to replace the ESP with a fabric filter.  Another is to install a hybrid unit.  We have covered both these alternatives in previous “Hot Topic Hours”, but now we will be focusing on what can be done to upgrade the performance of the existing precipitator.

Alstom has now fitted out over 12,000 MW of coal-fired boilers with over 1400 high-frequency switched power supply packages.  We will hear from Martin Kirsten about advantages of increased efficiency and lower energy costs.  The advantages are substantial enough to justify TR replacement as well as provide a better alternative for new plants.

NWL has supplied a number of switched mode power supplies and will be providing insights on their experience.  The mode in which the power supplies operate will also be discussed.  Steady operation will be compared to pulsing and intermittent energization.

We will also be discussing the whole design scheme.  Balcke Dürr reports substantial improvements with its Bi-Corona ESP which works on the principle of dividing the electrical field into different ionization and collection zones.  A pilot plant at Neurath demonstrated substantial reduction in the PM_2.5 fraction.

While the focus will be on power supplies and not the balance of the system, we will discuss the impact of improved power supply along with flow optimization and electrode design as an integrated whole.

We will also discuss the implications of multi-pollutant control including removal of activated carbon and finely ground limestone.  Will improved power supplies help you deal with co-firing of biomass?

While called a “Hot Topic Hour”, there is considerable emphasis on debate and discussion.  Therefore there is no time limit.  The session will range from one to two and a half hours.  For more information on this and other McIlvaine “Hot Topic Hours”, click on: http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/brochures/FGDnetoppbroch/Default1.htm .

Bob McIlvaine

847-784-0012

rmcilvaine@mcilvainecompany.com