Summary

All of the topics listed in the title are very relevant to the selection of the type of sootblower to be applied to a particular part of an installation, and often they cannot be considered in isolation, as one factor may influence another. Unfortunately, with new construction work there is seldom any discussion between sootblower manufacturer and end-user, and in most cases Clyde Forest is invited to quote for the supply of sootblowers of a type and number already decided by the fired heater or boiler manufacturer, who is sometimes looking for the minimum purchase price of the most economic type of sootblower that will just satisfy the guarantee requirements of the plant in questions, and no more. If the type and number requested seems inadequate for the necessary cleaning effectiveness, this will be stated in an offer of an alternative configuration, but obviously at some risk to success in securing the order for the sootblowers. In the case of retrofit work on existing plant there is often more scope for direct discussion of ideas with the plant owner.

Some end-users have built up sufficient data based on plant operating experience to be able to present a meaningful specification of sootblowing system requirements, which as is binding on the manufacturer of new plant as it is on the sootblower manufacturer. This is a good thing, as it leaves no doubt about what is required, and all suppliers in competition are at least compelled to quote for similar equipment.

Sootblowers, where required, shall be electrically driven automatic retractable type, such as that shows in Fig 1, and have a minimum steam rate of 1.23 kg/s through no more than two nozzles, even if this requires standard component parts such as valve, feed tube and nozzles to be modified if necessary in situations where only low pressure is available at the inlet flange.