Combustion Air Preheater

[aida2011]

Hi all

My boiler is using medium fuel oil (MFO). We already have economizer installed for cost saving and now to reduce cost further we are planning to install a combustion air preheater to one of our steam boilers. Is combustion preheater effective for cost saving for MFO? I heard air combustion preheaters are good for solid fuel boilers and black liquor only.

Please comment, thanks.

Miss Aida Hanani

 

[GenB]

Are good for any boiler and if the burner supports it you can do t.best to consult your boiler eng for calculations as your burner can catch fire if not heat air correctly.

 

[chicopee]

There are several references that espouse the installation of air preheaters. Of course an economic consideration must be undertaken in addition to GenB's remark. Try to get a copy of either "Steam" by Babcock and Wilcox, Mark or Kent-Power M.E. handbooks for reference.

 

[MJCronin]

Combustion air preheaters have the additional benefit of reducing the amount of moisture in the incoming combustion air.

They are helpful for any type of boiler, but, of course, increase capital expense

They help improve the heat rate and can lesson the effects of corrosion within the boiler.

There is a good discussion here:

http://www.cleanboiler.org/Eff_Improve/Efficiency/Combustion_Air_Pre-Heater.asp

Please respect us by completing this informative thread:

Tell us of your final decision and why you made it

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[macmet]

I just wanted to note that some degree of caution has to be taken into account when adding a preheater. There are some potential negative effects, although this thread has only noted the additional capital costs so far.

When considering a preheater, especially (possibly only) for solid fuels, you should be careful that it does not increase your combustion temperature to a dangerous level. The concern is raising combustion temperature above the ash fusion temperature and developing problems with clinkers, overheating, etc.

I don't think this applies to the OP but thought it should be mentioned as part of a discussion on preheaters.