ABSTRACT
A theory as to why this may be had been postulated and a further objective of these trials would be to confirm the existence of this ‘optimum sootblow time’ and to develop mathematical algorithms to identify and use this information on an operational basis. The presence of the device should result in any modification of the ash deposition behaviour, or of the steam/water flow. The device should measure representative heat flux values from the clean condition to the heavily ashed state. Numerous methods have been advanced over the years for measuring boiler heat fluxes. The general method for any device is to arrange for the heat flux to develop a temperature gradient in a known geometry and this gradient is measured to determine heat flux. Traditionally slagging of the furnace area in PF boilers has been monitored and corrected, on an operational level, by using temperatures and other variables measured down-stream of the furnace.
