Saving sootblowing costs with regular boiler heat transfer monitoring

Offering a view inside the boiler

The Valmet DNA Boiler Sootblowing Manager application provides both short- and long-term control of the cleanliness of boiler heat transfer surfaces. Regular monitoring of heat transfer coefficients and comparisons with data from previous years helps detect gradual changes in the boiler heat transfer.

Starting levels of heat transfer coefficients at the beginning of operating seasons also indicate the success of surface washing during maintenance. This data can be used to improve washing methods and shorten maintenance times.

In addition, the application can define the fouling tendency of different fuels, facilitating optimization of fuel usage.

Comprehensive heat transfer characteristics

The application provides calculations of the following heat transfer characteristics for each heat transfer surface that can be measured by using the various continuous temperature and flow measurements available:

• Actual heat transfer rate (steam/water side) [MW]
• Actual heat transfer coefficient [kW/K]
• Load-compensated heat transfer coefficient [kW/K]
• Reference heat transfer coefficient after sootblowing [kW/K]
• Reference heat transfer coefficient before sootblowing [kW/K]
• Extra fuel consumption due to fouling [MW]

Optimization can be executed by calculating the following variables:

• Recommended sootblowing sequence [h]
• Actual sootblowing sequence [h]
• Cumulative fuel energy loss due to fouling [MWh]
• Cost-saving potential [MWh/h]

Trend displays in clear graphical format

The Valmet DNA Boiler Sootblowing Manager features a high-level user interface for easy analysis of available data.

The solution is seamlessly linked to the overall automation applications, guaranteeing efficient collaboration between plant management and plant control.