Isolation Chamber for Extractable Startup Burner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chemical recovery boilers in the pulp and paper industry face issues with smelt accumulation obstructing airflow, requiring frequent maintenance, and startup burners are damaged by radiant heat and smelt fouling, leading to production losses and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with isolation chambers that extract startup burners from the windbox and furnace environment, allowing for safe removal and maintenance while the boiler is operational, and enabling full closure of variable position dampers to control airflow, reducing tramp air influx and preventing smelt fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If startup burners are left in the windbox during operation, then the boiler can maintain continuous operation, but the startup burners are damaged by radiant heat and smelt fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The startup burner is extracted from the windbox and furnace environment through a removable assembly that allows the burner to be taken out for maintenance or replacement while the boiler continues to operate. The burner can be removed through an opening in the furnace wall, eliminating exposure to radiant heat and smelt fouling that would otherwise damage the burner components.
2Reliability
If startup burners are removed from the windbox, then maintenance intervals are extended, but airflow control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary structure (removable assembly with opening) is introduced between the windbox and the external environment. This assembly allows the startup burner to be removed while maintaining a controlled interface with the furnace, enabling airflow control through the opening even when the burner is absent. The intermediary structure facilitates both burner removal and sustained airflow management.
3Productivity
If operators manually clean smelt accumulations, then airflow obstruction is removed, but operator safety is compromised due to exposure to hot air and smelt
Solution Approach 1:
The startup burner assembly is extracted from the hazardous environment, allowing operators to perform maintenance and cleaning activities from a safe distance. The removable design enables operators to access and clean smelt accumulations without direct exposure to the hot furnace environment, significantly improving safety while maintaining productivity.
4Ease of operation
If variable position dampers are closed to control airflow, then tramp air influx is reduced, but startup burner cooling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The startup burner is extracted from the windbox environment, allowing variable position dampers to be closed for improved airflow control without compromising burner cooling. The burner can be removed when dampers are closed, eliminating the conflict between airflow control and burner temperature management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes an assembly configured to mitigate the harmful effects of smelt fouling, airflow interference, and operator exposure to hot air from the furnace and wind box through use of an extractable startup burner and an isolation chamber engaged to a windbox. The present disclosure also describes a method for safely extracting a startup burner from an active recovery boiler as has method for inserting an extractable startup burner into a recovery boiler during operation.