Biomass boilers are emerging as the future of thermal solutions in the process and manufacturing industries. Boiler maintenance is an important factor to ensure hassle-free operations and optimum efficiency. In the case of biomass boilers, regular maintenance is essential to prevent the breakdown of the boiler. Regular maintenance of biomass boilers cannot be neglected as it may cause severe damage to the boiler system. It is interesting to note that the maintenance of biomass boilers varies from other conventional fossil fuel boilers due to the disposal of the ash produced in the combustion process.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Biomass Boilers:
An ideal way to assess whether the biomass boiler needs cleaning is by examining the increase in fuel consumption. The primary cause of an increase in fuel consumption is due to ash blocking the open airways of the heat exchanger and reduction of the transition of heat in the heating system.
As per the fuel quality, biomass combustion can lead to 0.5-1.5% of their weight in ash, which is released in an ash pan located beneath the grate. The ash collected needs to be removed manually at regular intervals after necessary operational cycles. The boiler maintenance intervals differ depending on the frequency of biomass boilers used for heating. Automatic de-ash systems are used to release the ash into an ash bin, thereby reducing the required amount of workload. However, the ash bin requires it to be emptied from time to time.
Another benefit of biomass boilers is that the collected ash can be used further as a fertilizer. Additionally, the chimney should be cleaned at least once every year.
Disposing Ash in Biomass Boilers:
Ash is the primary by-product of the combustion of biomass fuel. The ash generated by biomass fuel is termed potash. It is useful for the farmers as a top dressing and also for horticulturalists as a component of their compost.
Dispensing ash in such a method is highly beneficial to the environment as the nutrients from the ash are fed to aid in regenerating the wood, collected to form the fuel in the first place. It leads to the increasing popularity of biomass fuels with a boost towards the planting of trees.
Biomass boiler ash can either be disposed of as a fertilizer or landfill waste if the ash is produced in small amounts.
Biomass boilers equipped with automatic ash extraction systems usually include,
Internal ash extraction:
It includes one or more augers that pass ash from the combustion chamber into an ash pan or an external ash auger.
External ash extraction:
It includes one or more ash augers that collect ash from the internal ash augers, emptying itself into a self-contained ash bin.
Fire tube pneumatic cleaning:
It includes various hoses or pipes that automatically pass a blast of compressed air through fire tubes located on the last pass of a three-pass biomass boiler system. It is also termed as the boiler’s ‘tube nest.’
Biomass boilers equipped with the ash extraction system require a daily inspection of the boiler room. The boiler operator inspects the boiler thoroughly to ensure that the combustion levels and flue gas temperatures are within determined limits. The time required for boiler maintenance depends on the size of the boiler, fuel type, and rate of consumption.
Biomass boilers without automatic ash extraction systems need frequent shutdown and need manual servicing. The added cost of boiler maintenance and workload directly impacts by reducing fuel savings and job performance. On the other hand, biomass boilers with automatic ash extraction and tube cleaning increase the boiler performance, efficiency, and lifespan. Therefore, it is important to keep the fire tubes clean of ash for optimal efficiency. As the ash accumulates in the tubes, it acts as an insulator for heat transfer. It results in wasting the heat in the exhaust instead of exchanging it into the boiler water.
Biomass Boiler Maintenance:
Regular maintenance of a biomass boiler ensures a longer life span compared to the conventional fossil boiler system. It leads to internal combustion parts lasting long and less consumption of fuel.
Components Assessed During Biomass Boiler Maintenance:
- The internals of the heat exchanger are examined and cleaned of carbon build-up.
- The boiler and bunker feed screws are assessed and cleaned.
- Geared motor units, bearings, and seals are inspected and greased if necessary.
- Checking every safety equipment.
- Checking the ignition system.
Conclusion:
Rakhoh Boilers, are one of the trusted boiler manufacturers in India, with more than 3000 successful boiler installations in over 26 countries worldwide. We manufacture a range of efficient steam boilers that provide effective combustion with biomass boilers. We deliver waste heat recovery systems, thermic fluid heaters, boiler accessories, and various boiler services to over 20 process industries.
Visit www.rakhoh.com to learn more about our products and services.