Angled-Perpendicular Sootblower Nozzle for Boiler Platen Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sootblowers are ineffective in removing thick slag deposits on the leading edges and thin deposits inset from the leading edges of boiler superheater platens, leading to reduced thermal efficiency and risk of catastrophic damage due to unchecked slag accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A sootblower with angled-perpendicular nozzles, featuring deep reaching jets aligned with platen banks to remove inset deposits and edge cleaning jets angled to address leading-edge thick deposits, balancing forces to prevent lance torque and optimize cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sootblowers are used, then the device structure is simple, but they are ineffective in removing thick slag deposits on leading edges and thin deposits inset from leading edges
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into multiple jet types (deep reaching jets aligned with platen banks and edge cleaning jets angled at 45 degrees) to address different deposit locations and thicknesses. This segmentation allows the system to effectively remove both thick leading-edge deposits and thin inset deposits that conventional single-type nozzles cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the platen bank receive differently directed jets: deep reaching jets target inset deposits within the platen bank, while edge cleaning jets at 45-degree angles target thick deposits on leading edges. This local quality approach optimizes cleaning effectiveness for each specific deposit location and type.
2Reliability
If sootblowers operate continuously to remove slag, then thermal efficiency is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced nozzle design enables more effective slag removal during normal operation, allowing the boiler to maintain thermal efficiency without requiring additional dedicated cleaning operations. The system essentially cleans itself during regular operation, reducing the need for separate energy-intensive cleaning cycles.
3Use of energy by moving object
If slag accumulation is allowed to proceed, then energy consumption is reduced, but catastrophic damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sootblower system operates continuously or at frequent intervals to maintain clean platens, preventing slag accumulation before it reaches dangerous levels. This continuous cleaning action eliminates the need to choose between energy conservation and damage prevention, as both goals are achieved simultaneously through proactive maintenance.
4Reliability
If deep reaching jets are added to clean inset deposits, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deep reaching jets and edge cleaning jets are merged into a single integrated nozzle assembly, allowing both functions to be performed from one location. This merging approach improves cleaning effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the jets share common mounting and control infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The angled-perpendicular nozzle effectively removes both thick and thin slag deposits through debonding and brittle break-up mechanisms, enhancing boiler thermal output and safety by preventing slag accumulation and plugging, as demonstrated in field trials.
Implementation Method 1
The angled-perpendicular nozzle effectively removes both thick and thin slag deposits through debonding and brittle break-up mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A sootblower having a nozzle that includes one or more deep reaching jets aligned with its respective platen bank to clean slag deposits inset from the leading edge of the platen bank. The nozzle also includes one or more edge cleaning jets substantially angled with respect to the platen bank for cleaning the leading edges of the platen bank. For most applications, the major axis of the sootblower is perpendicular to the major axis of its respective platen bank, resulting in a sootblower with a nozzle having angled and perpendicular jets, referred to as angled-perpendicular nozzles. The jet sizes are selected to balance the opposing components of force perpendicular to the sootblower to avoid the imposition of torque on the lance.