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On the diagnosis of a fouling condition in a kraft recovery boiler: combining process knowledge and data-based insights, TAPPI Journal March 2023
ABSTRACT: Fouling is still a major challenge for the operation of kraft recovery boilers. This problem is caused by accumulation of ash deposits on the surfaces of heat exchangers in the upper part of the boiler over time. The first consequence is the reduction of steam production due to loss of heat transfer and, finally, the shutdown of the boiler due to clogging. The present work investigated the operational condition of a modern kraft boiler under a critical fouling condition. This boiler had even faced a manual cleaning due to a clogging event. This analysis combined process knowledge, plant team experience, and a data-driven approach, given the complexity of the process. In this sense, historical data covering this critical period of operation were collected. After a cleaning procedure, they were used to obtain a predictive neural network model for the flue gas pressure drop in the boiler bank, which is an indirect measure of ash deposit accumulation. Once validated, it was used for sensitivity analysis, with the aim of quantifying the effects of the model inputs. Five variables out of eighteen accounted for nearly 60% of the total effect on pressure drop. Namely, primary air temperature (21.6% of the total effect) and flow rate (11.1%), black liquor flow rate (9.9%) and temperature (8.4%), and white liquor sulfidity (8.6%). The analysis of these results mainly suggested an excess of carryover, which composes the ash deposits. Recommended actions to mitigate the fouling condition involved adjustments to the primary air system before the more drastic solution of reducing the boiler load.
Magazine articles
What does it take to get my paper published?, TAPPI JOURNAL,
What does it take to get my paper published?, TAPPI JOURNAL, March 2002, Vol. 1(1) (62KB)
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Editor's Note: An Ideal Raw Material for Pulp and Paper, TAP
Editor's Note: An Ideal Raw Material for Pulp and Paper, TAPPI JOURNAL March 2010
Magazine articles
PIMA honors industry leaders, August 2003, Vol. 86(8) (444KB)
PIMA honors industry leaders, August 2003, Vol. 86(8) (444KB)
Magazine articles
Setting a limit, TAPPI JOURNAL, July 2002, Vol. 1(5) (52KB)
Setting a limit, TAPPI JOURNAL, July 2002, Vol. 1(5) (52KB)
Magazine articles
The industry: beyond 2000, TAPPI JOURNAL, October 1998, Vol.81(10)
The industry: beyond 2000, TAPPI JOURNAL, October 1998, Vol.81(10)
Magazine articles
Inside ctapi, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 1996, Vol. 79(5)
Inside ctapi, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 1996, Vol. 79(5)
Magazine articles
Shop Talk: Screw presses in waste dewatering, December 1995 Tappi Journal [95Dec233.pdf]
Screw presses in waste dewatering, TAPPI JOURNAL, December 1995, Vol. 78(12)
Magazine articles
A personal mount st. helens experience, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 2000, Vol. 83(5)
A personal mount st. helens experience, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 2000, Vol. 83(5)
Magazine articles
China: now and in the future, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 1996, Vol. 79(5)
China: now and in the future, TAPPI JOURNAL, May 1996, Vol. 79(5)