Conference Dates

May 1-5, 2011

Abstract

Fuel flexibility combined with low emissions, particularly with high sulphur fuels, are the key drivers for installing a Circulating Fluidised Bed (CFB) Boiler. Taking into account the global drive for more efficient and clean combustion, and the development of CFB combustion and emission reduction technologies accordingly, worldwide applications for CFB Boilers are increasing. Accordingly, Alstom Power continues the evolutionary development of its CFB Boiler portfolio, based on the experience gained with operating units. This paper focuses on Alstom Power’s 300 MWe Class CFB Boiler products. East Kentucky Power Cooperative's (EKPC) Spurlock unit 4 is one of the large Alstom’s 300 MWe CFB boilers in operation since 2009. This unit is a duplicate of EKPC’s Gilbert #3 CFB boiler unit, which was also supplied by Alstom. The lessons learned from the Gilbert #3 unit were applied to the Spurlock #4 unit, which has resulted in high availability and smooth operation to date. The performance and operation of the Flash Dryer Absorber system and SNCR for NOx removal, which are an integral part of the CFB unit where stringent emission control is a requirement, are also discussed. Low NOx emissions were achieved by the low temperature combustion and by the use of the selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system developed and tested by Alstom at the EKPC Spurlock station, leading to 20% reduction of the ammonia consumption. A 98% SO2 removal rate was achieved with limestone injection into the furnace. The proprietary Flash Dryer Absorber (NID™) system developed and tested by Alstom has helped to improve overall O&M by reducing the limestone consumption by around 25%. Finally, the paper introduces the latest 300 MWe Class CFB Boiler product, built on the well proven features of the operating units, which has been developed to further enhance fuel flexibility and clean combustion on a cost-effective basis.

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