Boiler Sooting

[RDK]

A couple of years ago we completed a building in a cold environment (design temps in the low –30 C range).

The mechanical design used a modular cast iron boilers. (7 modules each 300,000 BTU/H). They all vent into a common chimney through a vent manifold.

At low outside temperatures when 4 or 5 modules are operating, there has been a soot problem. The make-up air is sufficient size and has a fan assist.

We have been told that the issue is a “pulsing’ effect from the multi burners. The soot will be more pronounced at the dilution vent of one or two boilers.

Needless to say the operators are not happy with this issue and would like it corrected.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of arrangement or have any explanation that a civil engineer can follow?

Thanks
Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion

http://www.kitsonengineering.com

 

[quark]

RDK!

Have you checked CO₂ level in the flue gas? Soot is nothing but unburnt carbon. How did you know air was sufficient? There are lot of efficiency meters in market based on carbondioxide and carbon monoxide levels in the flue gases. These will be verymuch helpful to you. More over try additives for fuel oils.

Regards,

Repetition is the foundation of technology