PBG-1 Valves – the beauty of simplicity
Coal flow balancing is one of the key processes for a better combustion. Therefore many technical attempts have been made to influence the two-phase pulverized coal flow. These attempts resulted in a great variety of technical designs with variously satisfying outcomes. The common designs are still inadequate especially with regard to long term functionality and ease of installation. The PBG-1 Valves represent state of the art technology for coal flow balancing. These patented high performance devices were engineered to fulfil the requirements for a continuous operation for dynamic coal flow balancing systems.
Some features are listed below:
- Flow is highly controllable
- High wear resistance surfaces
- Least pressure drop
- Easyly upgradeable for automation
Computational fluid dynamics applies numerical methods and algorithms to analyse and calcultate challenges that involve fluid flows. This was used to simulate the interaction of the two phase flow and its surfaces defined by boundary conditions.
Combustion optimization starts at the source causing the majority of misdistribution issues. Thus, it was of prime importance to install the valves as close as possible to the outlet of each pulverizer.
Meanwhile we have experience with valve installations far downstream from the individual mill outlets. Coal flow balancing has been very successfully executed even downstream from riffle boxes.
PBG-1 Valve installation on top of the G2 mill of the Saint John's River Power Park in Jacksonville, Florida. In total 7 mills are currently equipped. The valves have been in permanent controlled loop use since the beginning of 2008 without any failure in operation or functionality.
Principle layout of the coal conduits at a German power plant
PBG-1 Valve installation in horizontal coal conduits after a 4 way fixed splitter box.
PBG-1 Valve installation in vertical coal conduits after a 2 way fixed splitter box.