The document discusses soot blower optimization strategies implemented at Jindal Power Limited coal-fired power plants. Previously, all 56 furnace wall soot blowers were operated once every 8 hours, consuming substantial steam. Through a study, JPL found that operating soot blowers in certain areas and sequences had little effect on boiler parameters. This allowed reducing operations to only blowing 14 blowers once daily and 28 blowers every other day, saving over 1,300 tons of steam annually. Financial savings from reduced steam and coal usage were estimated at over 4 lakh rupees annually. The optimized strategy improved boiler performance and heat rate while reducing emissions and maintenance costs.

1. AnalysisofTwo-OutputInverterForInductionHeatingApplication
Abstract— Furnace and convective pass slagging and fouling have a negative effect on boiler performance
and emissions. The purpose of soot blowers is to keep the heat transfer surface clean so as to contribute towards
optimal performance of the boiler. Excessive soot blowing can cause increased maintenance in fossil-fired boilers.
Soot blowers perform on-line cleaning of localized areas consuming substantial amounts of costly high pressure
Main Steam; this cost motivates the study of soot blowers and development of improved soot blowing strategies.
Boiler operators typically follow one continuous soot blowing sequence. Most rely on manufacturer’s
recommendations, while some try to improve soot blower activation strategy by employing a trial-and-error
approach. Considering the importance of soot blowing on plant operations and availability, soot blower
operations need more attention. The Jindal Power Limited – different Dept. teamed up and has taken the
initiative to perform a study on soot blower optimization by implementing pattern wise blowing. For this,
different combination of tiers wise SB was done and the requirement and effectiveness of each tier was observed
by studying different parameters and developed a practical, knowledge-based approach to soot blowing
optimization and has implemented it in Unit # 3 & Unit # 1 of 4 x 250 MW, OPJSTPP. This approach can deal with
the reduction of soot blower activation frequency, and steam temperature control. This paper describes the
approach; implementation on a 250 MW tangentially fired boiler, operating experience, and benefits to the
plants.
Keywords— Soot Blower, Slagging
I. INTRODUCTION
LL coals contain mineral matter in coal ash. Furnace slagging occurs as molten or sticky fly ash particles
come in contact with the furnace walls or other radiant surfaces and form deposits due to the quenching
effect of the tube wall. Slag deposits reduce heat transfer to the furnace walls, and increase the amount of heat
available to the convection pass. This results in a higher furnace exit gas temperature (FEGT) and, for subcritical
boilers, in a higher steam temperature, de-superheating spray flows and NOx emissions. Deposition of ash on
tubes or heat transfer surfaces in the convective pass reduces heat transfer in that part of the boiler. The
convective pass fouling results in less heat is transfer to the working fluid, a decrease in steam temperature and
de-superheating spray flows, and in an increase in flue gas temperature at the boiler exit.
The challenge in sootblowing optimization is to determine which sections of the boiler to clean and on what
schedule, considering the factors such as tube life, sootblower steam or steam consumption and maintenance
cost. For best boiler performance, it is important to maintain an optimal balance between furnace and convective
pass heat transfer.
A. Basics of Soot Blowing
Sootblowing controls the level of ash and slag deposits on heat transfer sections. Sootblowers perform on-
line cleaning of localized areas using high-pressure steam or air. Wall blowers and water cannons remove slag
from furnace water walls, while retractable blowers clean the convective pass of the boiler (including the air
preheater). Furnace cleaning increases radiation heat transfer to water walls and reduces the FEGT. This
decreases the amount of heat that is available to the convective pass. Therefore, over-cleaning of furnace walls
Yashpal Sahu, CEEPI, Jindal Power Limited, Tamnar, Raigarh
Pooja Agrawal, CEEPI, Jindal Power Limited, Tamnar, Raigarh
Amit Pandey, CEEPI, Jindal Power Limited, Tamnar, Raigarh
MD Shahabuddin, CEEPI, Jindal Power Limited, Tamnar, Raigarh
Soot Blowing Optimization: Field
Experience
Yashpal Sahu, Pooja Agrawal, Amit Pandey and MD Shahabuddin 
A
National Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Electrical Power Industry in India - NSPCEPII 347
ISBN 978-93-84743-43-7 © 2015 Bonfring

2. can result in low steam temperatures (below design level) with resulting heat rate penalties and increased
moisture levels and erosion damage in last stages of the low-pressure turbine. Reduced reheat steam
temperature also results in lower turbine and unit power output.
II. JPL APPROACH TO SOOT BLOWING OPTIMIZATION
JPL has developed a sootblowing optimization approach, described in References [1 to 47], for balancing
furnace and convection pass heat transfer to improve boiler performance, reduce NOx emissions, and minimize
disturbances caused by sootblower activation.
The JPL sootblowing optimization approach depends on a database describing the effects of sootblower
activation on parameters, such as cleanliness of heat transfer surfaces, steam temperatures, attemperating
sprays, and other parameters of interest. The sootblower characterization database (SBCD), created from a
series of sootblower characterization tests, contains of the effect of one sootblower or sootblower group at a
time on parameters of interest.
III. SOOT BLOWERS OPTIMIZATION IN BOILERS
There are many methods used for optimization of wall blower operation in boiler furnace, like the manual
method, heat flux measurement method, and the automated method. The manual method is discussed as this will
bring out the philosophy involved in optimizing wall blower operation.
 Wall blowers are provided in boilers to clean the furnace wall deposits. They seldom find use in oil and
gas fired boilers. The deposition and slagging in boiler furnace is required to be removed from the
furnace walls at regular intervals. The interval period will depend on the area of deposition and the
severity of deposition. Steam wall blowers are found to be very efficient in removing the furnace wall
deposits.
 In JPL Stage-I boiler of around 825t/hr capacity, the total number of soot blowers are 90. In this, around
56 numbers are wall blowers. The frequency of soot blowing dependsupon the type of coal being fired.
However the operating group must remember that the initial suggested sequence and frequency is more
general and has to be adapted to each boiler. The purpose of these soot blowers is to keep the heat
transfer surface clean so as to contribute towards optimal performance of the boiler.
Fig. 1
National Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Electrical Power Industry in India - NSPCEPII 348
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3. B. Effect Of The Soot Blower On Boiler Performance
 Removes the deposits on the furnace wall and ensures good heat transfer in the furnace region
 The furnace outlet temperature slowly ramps up after wall blowing as time lapses
 Super heater spray quantity is seen to increase with time lapse after wall blowing
 Increases the bottom ash quantity depending upon the deposition on furnace walls
 Increases furnace tube material loss if blowing is done too frequently without any deposits. This leads to
boiler outage or increased maintenance
In the case of water lancers for removing molten slag, while operating there will be a large dip in generation
for the same heat input. This is mainly due to the increased boiler losses
C. Measures To Be Considered
Before taking up wall blower optimization, the following has to be ensured:
 All wall blowers are set to the right steam pressure recommended by the designer
 Check the alignment of the wall blower with respect to the furnace walls
 Ensure at least 50 degree centigrade of super heat in the steam being used. This is to prevent damage of
the furnace walls due to wet team impingement.
 All wall blowers are operational
 It is of great help if the boiler furnace walls are photographed just after a planned shutdown. Before
shutting down the boiler, do not wall blow the furnace for one full sequence. This ensures deposit
collection on the walls between the adopted frequencies. While shutting down the boiler ensure minimal
thermal shock, by slowly lowering the load. This ensures deposits stay on the walls. Take the photograph
from a convenient man hole. But take all safety precautions as anytime the deposit can fall down due to
cooling or thermal gradient.
There are many methods used for optimization of wall blower operation, like the manual method, heat flux
measurement method, and the automated method. The manual method is discussed as this is bringing out the
philosophy involved in optimizing wall blower operation.
D. Needforsoot Blower Optimization
 To improve consistency in efficient operation of boiler
 To reduce steam wastage by identifying those areas of low or no deposits
 To reduce damage on furnace wall tubes due to excessive blowing
The change in SH spray & RH Spray without change in other parameters indicates that the furnace deposits
are increasing. If thesuperheater or reheater sprays increases above a particular level (to be determined for each
boiler), operate all wall blowers. These are two basic things to adhere to while optimizing wall blowers.
IV. OPTIMISATION STRATEGY ADOPTED
E. Earlier Operation Of Wall Blower
In every 8-hr shift, wall blowing used to be done once. It takes around 1 hour 30 min for complete blowing.
All blowers (1 to 56) were operated at a pressure of about 22 kgf/cm2& temperature of about 240 deg. C.
F. Technique Adopted
There are 56 wall blowers in a boiler furnace wall, the steps for optimization is listed.
 Operate all 56 blowers
 See the effect on superheater spray and note all operating parameters of boiler
 Wait for the superheater spray to ramp up to the initial level and stay almost steady
 Wall blow each row - study effect
 Watch superheater spray drop and regain time
 The interval between blowers is to be maintained constant
 Repeat if required each row independently, waiting each time for the spray to reach the original level
with other parameters of boiler remaining constant
 Repeat the study for two adjacent rows
National Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Electrical Power Industry in India - NSPCEPII 349
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4.  Repeat the study for two alternate rows
 Repeat the study for blowers in front, rear, left and right sides of furnace walls separately and study the
effect on superheater spray flow.
 The blowing having the least effect on the superheater spray indicates low or no deposit on the walls.
 A plot of superheater spray drop when each blower is operated will give a good idea of deposition in that
area
 Use the photograph of the furnace wall to validate the effectiveness of blowers
 Decide which blowers can be skipped during blowing as well as the effectiveness of the row
Table no. 1.
The procedure for wall blower operation can be evolved after the study and data analysis for the most
effective way of wall blowing.
The use of heat flux meter by embedding thermopiles at appropriate location in the furnace walls to
understand whether the tube in the region is clean or with deposition the operation of the wall blower
requirement can be decided.
In the case of fully automated intelligent wall blower system, the need to wall blow each blower is
understood from the effective heat flux falling on the tubes. Designers use different methods to establish this.
G. Observation
Following are the observations taken under notice with the data collected:
Table no. 2
National Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Electrical Power Industry in India - NSPCEPII 350
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5. H. Resent Scenario
Table no. 3.
So the number of blowers which will not operate in a day is 42 blowers
I. Compiled Data Before & After Optimization
J. SH & RH Trend
SH & RH trends before & after Wall Blowing Optimization
National Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Electrical Power Industry in India - NSPCEPII 351
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6. Fig. 2.
V. FINANCIAL ASPECT OF CASE
A. Quantity of DM Water Saved
Total quantity of steam consumed during wall blowing (1 to 56):- 5 tones i.e. 5000 Kg of steam
=> The steam consumed per blowing is = 5000/ 56 = 89.2 kg of steam
By adopting above mentioned combination amount of steam consumption reduction
= (89 X 14) + (89 X 28) = 3738 kg of steam per day
Steam consumption reduction in a year (taking 97% PLF) = 3738 x 0.97 x 365 = 13, 23,439 kg = 1323 tonnes in a
year
DM water cost = 100 Rs per m3 = 100 Rs per tonne
Total cost of DM water lost = 1323 x 100= 132300 Rs = 1.32 Lacs
B. Amount of Heat Energy Saved in terms ofCoal by throttling of steam
Steam condition at Super heater header a throttling for supplying steam to wall blowers: - Pr. -165 Kg/cm2 &
Temp. – 420 degree C
Enthalpy of steam = 724 Kcal/kg
Quantity of steam saved = 1323 tonnes
Total savings = 1323 X 724 = 975852000 kcal
Taking coal GCV 3500 kcal/kg, Quantity of coal saved
= 975852000/3500 = 273672 kg = 273.6 tonnes
Amount saved = 273672 (assuming cost of coal 1000 Rs per tonne)
= 2.73 lacs
Total amount saved = 1.32 +2.73 = 4.05 lacs in a year.
VI. CONCLUSION
A series of upgraded steps at the JPL have been coupled with optimization systems to gain performance benefits
in the form of fuel savings, reduced emissions, increased net power generation and improved dispatch capability
along with financial saving. The combination of a flexible and capable toolset, application expertise and the power of
continuous improvement are now Providing continuous and significant performance benefits to the station.
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National Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Electrical Power Industry in India - NSPCEPII 352
ISBN 978-93-84743-43-7 © 2015 Bonfring

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Yashpal Sahu,
Education qualifications:
ME- Mechanical, BIT, Mesra Ranchi
BE-Mechanical, GRKIST, Jabalpur
Certified Energy Auditor
Certfied BOE
Work Exp: 10 yrs 8 months with Jindal Power Limited,
- Project Monitoring of 250 MW
- Commissioning & Operation of 250MW
- Efficiency and CEEPI department
- Commissioning of 600 MW unit
Cell no: +91 9329445005
Email: yashpal@jindalpower.com
Md Shahabuddin
Education: B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)
From Bengal College of Engineering & Technology , Durgapur
PGDC in Thermal Power Plant from NPTI, Guwahati
Work Exp: 1. Since Aug 2009 to Jul 2012 as a Desk Operation Engineering (Asst Manager) in Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. ,
Jharsuguda.
2. Currently working as a CEEPI TEAM (Asst Manager) in Jindal Power Ltd. , Tamnar.
Cell no: +91 7898905434
Email: md.shahabuddin@jindalpower.com
Amit Kumar Pandey
Education qualification:
B.E. Mechanical (Honours)
PGD in Thermal Power Plant Engg. NPTI Nagpur (M.S.)
Work Exp: Associated with Jindal Power Ltd. since Aug 2007,
Currently working as Manager (Operation).
M- + 91 7898905225
National Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Electrical Power Industry in India - NSPCEPII 354
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9. Email: amitpandey@jindalpower.com
Pooja Agrawal Education: B.Tech in Electrical Engineering (EE)From Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad
Work: Currently working as a CEEPI TEAM (Asst Manager) in Jindal Power Ltd. , Tamnar. Cell no: +91 7898902697
Email: pooja.agarwal@jindalpower.com
National Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Electrical Power Industry in India - NSPCEPII 355
ISBN 978-93-84743-43-7 © 2015 Bonfring