Glacier Blast's solution to the efficient operation of the HRSG/boiler is cleaning by dry ice blasting.Tweet
An important topic of combined cycle power plant operators is keeping the efficient operation of their HRSG and/or boiler as high as possible. It understandably follows that the question to ask is, how? The answer too, is simple enough. Keep your HRSG clean!
Why clean the HRSG?
Keeping efficiency at a maximum is very critical in the operation of a HRSG. The function of the fins on the tube is to conduct heat either in or out of the tube. Even with mildly contaminated conditions the contamination resists heat transfer.
The result is lost efficiency. If plugged, contamination blocks the flow of gas across the fins, adding greater efficiency loss. In severely blocked cases the control unit senses back pressure and slows the turbine. Still more efficiency is lost.
Why dry ice blasting?
High pressure water blasting will work but...
> The secondary waste stream adds to the volume of waste.
> Water becomes the electrolyte needed to form corrosion.
> If not contained water flows into drains and the ground carrying contaminates with it.
> If hazardous materials are present there are containment, handling and disposal expenses.
Soda blasting will work but...
> The secondary waste stream adds to the volume of waste.
> Residual soda is very hard to cleanup.
> If hazardous materials are present handling and disposal fees are costly.
Sandblasting will work but...
> The abrasive action of the sand erodes fin and tube metal causing permanent damage.
> The secondary waste stream adds to the volume of waste.
> If hazardous materials are present handling and disposal fees are costly.
Dry ice blasting:
> has no secondary waste stream.
> minimizes waste volume.
> does not promote corrosion.
> is not abrasive.
> minimizes disposal and handling
costs.
> has no liquid state to carry
contaminates into drains or the
ground.
> is approved by the EPA, USDA
and FDA.
> is environmentally friendly.
Industrial Cleaning By Dry Ice Blasting In Minnesota