Soot blowing procedure

Describe soot blowing procedure (AP_ BOE_2010_P_1)

Soot blowing is a crucial process in maintaining the efficiency and lifespan of boilers. It involves using high-pressure steam or air to remove soot and ash deposits from the boiler’s heat transfer surfaces. These deposits can impede heat transfer, leading to reduced boiler efficiency and increased fuel consumption. Regular soot blowing helps to prevent these problems and ensures that the boiler operates at its peak performance.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to soot blowing procedures:

1. **Open the isolation valve of the soot blowing steam line.** This allows steam to flow into the soot blowing system.

2. **Open the drain valves of this line to drain out condensate, if any.** Condensate is water vapor that has condensed into liquid form. It can accumulate in the steam line and interfere with the effectiveness of soot blowing. Draining the condensate ensures that only dry steam is used for blowing.

3. **Allow steam to flow some time through these valves to increase the temperature of that line.** This preheats the soot blowing line, which helps to prevent condensation from forming during soot blowing.

4. **Put the control valve of the line in auto mode to get 10 kg/cm2 to 12 kg/cm pressure.** This sets the pressure of the steam used for soot blowing. The recommended pressure range is 10 kg/cm2 to 12 kg/cm2.

5. **Check all retractable blowers are in withdrawn position.** Retractable soot blowers are inserted into the boiler during soot blowing and then retracted when not in use. Make sure all retractable blowers are retracted before starting the soot blowing sequence.

6. **Increase the draft a little higher.** The draft is the air flow through the boiler. Increasing the draft helps to remove the dislodged soot and ash from the boiler.

7. **Start the sequence. Blowing is started one by one.** This ensures that the soot blowing process is done in a controlled and efficient manner. In a manual system, the soot blowers are operated manually, one by one, in the direction of flue gas flow.

8. **After the completion of blowing sequence, bring back the draft to the normal and close the steam isolation valve.** Once the soot blowing sequence is complete, reduce the draft back to its normal level and close the steam isolation valve to stop the flow of steam.

9. **Observe the flue gas temperature and pressure.** During soot blowing, monitor the flue gas temperature and pressure to ensure that they remain within normal operating limits.

10. **Record the soot blowing sequence and time.** Keep a record of the soot blowing sequence, including the order in which the soot blowers were operated and the duration of each blowing cycle. This information can be used to track the performance of the soot blowers and identify any areas that may require attention.

Regular soot blowing is an essential part of boiler maintenance. By following these procedures, you can help to ensure that your boiler operates efficiently and safely for years to come.