Boiler Blowing Operation Guide: Key Points to Avoid Equipment Damage

Boiler blowing is not as simple as pressing a button! Improper operation can damage the heating surfaces and, in the worst case, cause safety accidents. To ensure your soot blower operates safely and efficiently, here are the crucial steps you must follow.

Before Blowing: Three Key Checks

1. Ensure Stable Boiler Load

Blowing should only occur when the boiler load is ≥70% (as per TSG G0001-2012 Boiler Safety Technical Inspection Regulations). Low load can cause a rapid drop in furnace temperature, possibly leading to a fire hazard. Large fluctuations in load can result in sudden changes in flue gas temperature, which may cause tube ruptures.

2. Verify Medium Parameters

For steam soot blowers, ensure the pressure meets the required standard (typically 1–2 MPa) and that the steam is thoroughly dewatered. Residual condensate acts like a "water cutter," damaging the pipes. A chemical plant once suffered a blown superheater tube due to inadequate dewatering, resulting in a 7-day shutdown for repairs.

For compressed air soot blowers, make sure the air pressure is stable and free of oil and water to avoid nozzle blockages.

3. Confirm System Status

Inspect the soot blower mechanism for smooth operation, ensure valves open and close freely, and check that emergency stop buttons are functional. Never force a start if there are faults!

During Blowing: Focus on Two Critical Indicators

1. Flue Gas Temperature Fluctuation ≤ 30°C

While blowing, the flue gas temperature will briefly increase (due to enhanced heat exchange after soot removal). However, a sudden or abnormal spike or drop requires immediate cessation of the operation, as this could indicate leakage in the heating surfaces or a malfunction in the soot blower.

2. Maintain Furnace Negative Pressure

The furnace pressure will fluctuate during blowing. A sudden reduction in negative pressure can lead to dangerous situations like fire hazards. Always adjust the induced draft fan to maintain a stable negative pressure, ideally between -50 and -100 Pa.

After Blowing: Three Post-Operation Tasks

1. Close Medium Valves Thoroughly

Ensure steam or air valves are fully closed. Any internal leakage can cause continuous erosion of the pipe walls. In one case, a power plant suffered damage to the economizer pipes due to valve leakage, which caused severe wear within just three months.

2. Return the Soot Blower to Standby Mode

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can damage the gun barrel, shortening the equipment's lifespan. Ensure the soot blower is returned to standby mode to prevent this.

3. Compare Parameters and Verify Effectiveness

Record the flue gas temperature, main steam pressure, and fan current before and after blowing. Compare the results to verify the effectiveness of the operation. If no significant improvement is observed, inspect for nozzle blockages or unusual soot accumulation characteristics.

Deadly Warning: Do Not Enter the Flue During Blowing

Never enter the flue while the soot blower is in operation. In one tragic incident, an employee at a cement plant entered a flue that had accumulated soot while the automated soot blower started. The collapsing high-temperature soot caused severe burns. Always follow safety protocols.

Conclusion

Scientific soot blowing is not only about cleaning effectively but also about protecting your equipment. If you have any questions about the blowing operation or need professional assistance with equipment inspection, feel free to contact us. Safety is paramount, and our expert team is here to help ensure your boiler operates efficiently and safely!