Boiler Operations
There are many operational challenges in producing power. Fuel Tech specifically addresses Fuel Flexibility and Slag Control with our TIFI® Targeted In-Furnace Injection Technology™ program.
Proven Boiler Performance on a Wide Range of Fuels
The ability for a combustion unit to produce economical power may affect the future operation of the unit. Using a variety of fuels can provide flexibility, but can also lead to complications operating the boiler.
TIFI Technology Provides Fuel Flexibility and Addresses the Following Issues:
- Greater Boiler Efficiency
- Heat Rate Improvement
- Slag/Fouling Reduction
- SO3 Plume & Opacity Control
Fuel Flexibility
Plants need the flexibility to burn lower quality, lower cost fuels in their combustion units. Fuel Tech Chemical Technologies programs can mitigate the effects of slag-forming impurities such as sodium and iron, which can be found in Powder River Basin (PRB) and Illinois Basin (ILB) coals. Higher-sulfur coals, such as those found in the ILB and certain Eastern bituminous fuels, can also be made less problematic with a Fuel Tech Chemical Technologies program designed to mitigate the adverse effects of SO3 formation. This becomes even more of an issue for power plants utilizing NOX-reducing Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems where SO2 to SO3 conversion adds to the SO3 created from the combustion process.
Slag, ABS and LPA Control
A primary benefit of our TIFI programs is the reduction in slag, overall fouling within the boiler. The downstream benefits include reduced ammonium bisulfate (ABS) and large particle ash (LPA) or "popcorn ash". These are major problems facing power producers, especially those burning solid fuels.
Before TIFI Program
After TIFI Program
Slag is a major problem within the furnace. Slag forms and builds up on all surfaces within the boiler on steam tubes, walls, and around burners, which results in air flow problems within the convective pass, ultimately creating problems with heat transfer. This creates a need to burn additional fuel to maintain production, or to shut down the combustion unit for cleaning. LPA and ABS and formation can lead to air heater fouling. A cleaner furnace is easier to maintain, and it also leads to improved boiler efficiency and heat rate, along with reduced down time. Our customers have seen a payback on our systems of up to $4 to every $1 spent on our program in operational savings.A primary benefit of our TIFI programs is the reduction in slag, overall fouling within the boiler. The downstream benefits include reduced ammonium bisulfate (ABS) and large particle ash (LPA) or "popcorn ash". These are major problems facing power producers, especially those burning solid fuels.
Air Heater Pressure Drop
Air heater fouling is a major concern for utilities. TIFI programs have proven successful in not only preventing increases in air heater differential pressure, but in also in reducing air heater pressure drop to allow units to extend boiler run time between outages. This improves overall boiler efficiency and reduces operating costs.
