It is no secret that, for companies that use boilers, one of the biggest concerns is the constant search for increased technical and energy efficiency and, of course, for savings in biofuel. But it is important to highlight that, in order to achieve good results with this alternative source of energy, incrustations in biomass boilers always require increased attention.
This is because this accumulation of sediment can be extremely harmful to the operation of these boilers, either affecting the efficiency of biomass burning, or compromising their physical integrity, which can even put your teams at risk. That is why, in this article, we will explain in depth how they form and the main problems associated with incrustation buildup in biomass boilers.
So, how do incrustations form in biomass boilers?
From a technical point of view, incrustations in biomass boilers form due to the precipitation of solids or contaminants that are suspended in the steam when burning this biofuel. In practical terms, this means that they form due to the accumulation of ash generated in the combustion process.
This ash has a low melting point and, with the evaporation process, the residues from this burning end up concentrating into small agglomerations on the walls, grates, pipes and internal structures of the boilers. The problem is, the more concentrated they are, the greater these agglomerates adhere and, over time, they transform into these problematic incrustation layers.
And it is important to note that incrustations in biomass boilers causes a number of short, medium and long-term problems, such as low energy efficiency, low steam generation, high biofuel consumption and boiler overheating. In more extreme cases, even neglecting these precautions can cause the equipment to rupture or explode.
The main risks of neglecting precautions with incrustations
More than just jeopardizing the operation, keep in mind that incrustations can also cause considerable damage to day-to-day activities. Remember that when they accumulate, they behave like a kind of thermal insulator, forming a layer on the inner metal wall of the boilers.
This prevents or hinders the transfer of heat from one medium to the other. In other words, thermal conductivity becomes impaired and the boiler overheats. And make no mistake: a “hotter boiler” is far from being synonymous with a “more efficient boiler.” On the contrary!
In such cases, when the pipes and walls have incrustations, the boiler cannot exchange heat correctly and ends up throwing out hot, energy-filled gases into the atmosphere, which reduces its efficiency. And as its performance is compromised, the boiler will have to burn more fuel to generate the same amount of steam, which greatly increases the overhead on the equipment and, of course, the cost of the entire process!
In addition, by restricting the heat flow, the presence of incrustations can also cause the boiler pipes to overheat and rupture, bringing equipment operation to a halt and may even cause fatal accidents. Other common problems are:
- Obstructed pipes, valves, discharges and collectors on the broiler affect the flow of water and further accentuate the formation of incrustations;
- The piping and carcass could rupture and the boiler structure could become damaged, compromising its integrity and even rendering the equipment unusable;
- Incrustations in instruments and control devices, such as pressure switches, displays and level controls, hinder safe operation of the equipment and increase the risk of accidents;
- Increased corrosive processes that occur under incrustation deposits.
Decrustan: your powerful ally in boiler safety and productivity
We have already seen that incrustations in biomass boilers can be a real headache for industries seeking out this alternative energy source. The good news, however, is that this is a problem that can be solved with Decrustan, which can be found here at Bel Mag!
This is due to the fact that, when combined with biomass, Decrustan reacts chemically with ash components during burning, causing them to become soft and loosen, thereby preventing incrustations from forming!
You know those hard slags stuck to grates, piping, walls and the bottom of the biomass boiler? Decrustan stops them before they can form! Not to mention that it simultaneously acts to neutralize the corrosive acidity of leftover waste gases produced during combustion, thereby reducing wear on the furnace’s internal components.
And it doesn’t stop there! See some of the other benefits of using Decrustan in your operation:
- Raises the equipment’s operating period by 79%, without the need for cleaning stops;
- Ensures greater energy use of the boiler;
- Reduces costs with spare parts;
- Increases the service life of the boiler;
- It ensures more productivity for the industry.
Did you like our tip? It is worth mentioning that Decrustan, a trademark since 1975, is a magnesium-based product and, therefore, when choosing it, you can rest assured knowing that you are using a natural and renewable solution extracted from the sea that follows strict parameters of chemical and environmental responsibility imposed by Bel Mag. Talk to our team of experts to learn more how Decrustan can optimize your business’s day-to-day operations!
Leave your comment