How accurate primary airflow measurements improve plant performance.

The article provides information on how the performance of coal-fired power plants can be enhanced by the accuracy of primary air (PA) flow measurements. Fallacious measurements may lead to negative operational outcomes like, increased boiler gas temperatures, fly ash loss-on-ignition, and higher than necessary fan power consumption. A study revealed many calibration and PA flow test irregularities after the commissioning of a 700MW coal-fired power plant in a Midwestern U.S. state. The PA control system continues to function as it was calibrated, before any impact of explosions on duct flow area. INSET: The effects of high primary airflow.