Clinker Formation in Boilers
Clinker Formation in Boilers
Clinker Formation in Boilers
We must not blame poor quality coal for clinker formation and deposition in boilers. Instead we take proper
precautions such as poking, flushing by providing more water in the hopper, soot blowing by injecting steam to remove
soot deposits on water wall, and making our clinker grinders operational.
Introduction
Clinker formation is a serious problem in the boilers of thermal power plants which results in forced outage for very
long duration and generation loss. The removal of clinkers from the water wall and hopper of boilers is very difficult
because clinkers are very hard lumps due to presence of metals in them. Removal of clinkers from boiler is very
difficult procedure which takes a long time and the cost involved is also very high. Pneumatic hammering is done
manually to dislodge clinkers from boilers, and clinker grinders can be used in grind large pieces of clinkers into small
ones.
Typical Clinker
Summary
The major cause of clinker formation in a boiler is over-firing due to which ash fuses, hence firing must be properly
adjusted by using the right quantity of primary and secondary air ratio in the boiler. Good quality coal having more
gross calorific value, less ash content, less mineral content in the coal, and ash fusion temperature above 1500 C must
be used to avoid clinker formation. Regular watch must be done on poking. Precautions may avoid clinker formation
and its deposition in boilers.
Precaution is the best solution.