Boiler soot blowing and water washing

Starter
Discuss
1) Why is it important to regularly remove soot from boiler tubes?
2) How does soot accumulation impact fuel consumption in a boiler?
3) What potential risks are associated with not performing soot blowing
regularly?
4) Why might a boiler require water washing in addition to soot blowing?
5) What are the signs that indicate a boiler needs water washing?

1 Comment on the saying

"Clean tubes, efficient boiler; regular care, longer life."

Vocabulary

2 Study the sentences and match the words in bold to the definitions

Regular soot blowing Steam soot blowers The lance is inserted Retractable blowers
is essential for the use high-pressure into the boiler and can be moved in and
efficiency of the steam to dislodge rotated to direct out of the boiler,
boiler by removing soot from the boiler steam or air onto the allowing for targeted
the soot build-up tubes, ensuring they tube surfaces during cleaning of specific
from the heat transfer remain clean and the soot blowing areas.
surfaces. efficient. process.

Acoustic cleaning Acoustic cleaning is a In situations where Water jetting

uses sound waves to non-invasive steam is not involves directing a
create vibrations that technique, it does not available, air soot high-pressure water
dislodge soot from require physical blowers can be used jet into the smoke
the boiler tubes. contact with the to remove soot using tubes to remove
boiler tubes. high-pressure air. deposits that cannot
be cleared by soot
blowing alone.

1 Soot Blowing A Steam soot blowers that can be moved in and out of the boiler.
 A method that does not require physical contact with the boiler
2 Steam Soot Blowers B
tubes.
3 Lance C The process of using high-pressure water to clean boiler tubes.
The process of removing soot build-up from the heat transfer
4 Retractable Blowers D
surfaces of a boiler.
Devices that use high-pressure air instead of steam to remove
5 Acoustic Cleaning E
soot.
6 Non-invasive F A tool that directs steam or air into the boiler tubes.

7 Air Soot Blowers G Devices that use high-pressure steam to dislodge soot.

8 Water Jetting H A method that uses sound waves to dislodge soot.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

3 Fill in the sentences with the words from 2

1) ________ cleaning is a ________ technique, meaning it does not require physical contact with
the boiler tubes and can be performed while the boiler is in operation.
2) Regular ________ is necessary to maintain the efficiency of the boiler by removing soot
build-up from the heat transfer surfaces.
3) The ________ is inserted into the boiler and rotated to direct steam or air onto the tube
surfaces during the soot blowing process.
4) ________ involves directing a high-pressure water jet into the smoke tubes to remove
stubborn deposits that cannot be cleared by soot blowing alone.
5) ________ can be moved in and out of the boiler, allowing for targeted cleaning of specific
areas.
6) ________ use high-pressure steam to dislodge soot from the boiler tubes, ensuring they
remain clean and efficient.
7) ________ uses sound waves to create vibrations that dislodge soot from the boiler tubes,
making it a non-invasive cleaning method.
8) In situations where steam is not available, ________ can be used to remove soot using high-
pressure air.

Reading
4 Answer the questions
1) What is the purpose of soot blowing in a boiler?
2) How does soot affect the efficiency of a boiler?
3) When is water washing typically performed on a boiler?
4) Why is it important to inspect the boiler tubes after water washing?
5) How does regular maintenance like soot blowing and water washing
benefit a boiler?

5 Read the text and a) check your answers in 4

Boiler Soot Blowing Boiler Water Washing
Soot blowing is a process used to remove soot build- Water washing is used for more
up from the heat transfer surfaces of a boiler. Soot, thorough cleaning when soot blowing is
which is a by-product of combustion, can accumulate insufficient. This method is typically
on boiler tubes and reduce efficiency by acting as an performed during scheduled
insulating layer. This process is essential for maintenance when the boiler is offline.
maintaining optimal boiler performance and
preventing potential damage. Detailed Procedure for Water
Methods of Soot Blowing: Washing:
1. Steam Soot Blowers: 1. Preparation:
Operation: High-pressure steam is directed through a Shutdown: Stop the boiler burner and
lance that moves in and out of the boiler tubes. The allow the boiler to cool for 10-20
steam dislodges soot and other combustion by- minutes.
products from the tube surfaces. Access: Open the soot drain valve at the
Types: There are several types of steam soot blowers, base of the furnace and the checking
including retractable, rotary, and fixed blowers. Each hatch at the top of the boiler.
type is designed for specific parts of the boiler and 2. Cleaning:
different cleaning needs. Water Jetting: Connect a water jet
2. Acoustic Cleaning: cleaning lance to a fresh water supply.
Operation: Uses sound waves to create vibrations Direct the water jet into the smoke tubes
that dislodge soot from the boiler tubes. This method at a pressure of 0.4 to 0.6 MPa for about
is non-invasive and can be used while the boiler is in 20-30 seconds. Ensure the water flow
operation. rate is around 50 liters per minute.
Advantages: It reduces the risk of tube erosion and Drainage: Ensure that water and soot
can be more effective in certain applications are drained through the soot drain valve.
compared to steam blowing. Repeat the jetting process if necessary
3. Air Soot Blowers: to ensure thorough cleaning.
Operation: High-pressure air is used instead of 3. Post-Cleaning:
steam. This method is less common but can be Inspection: Visually inspect the tubes
effective in specific situations where steam is not through the checking hatch to ensure
available or practical. they are clean. Repeat the cleaning
Soot Blowing Procedure: process if any soot remains.
Preparation: Ensure the boiler is operating at the Drying: Start the burner under low load
correct load and temperature. Open the steam supply to dry the tube surfaces. Operate the
valve and position the soot blower lance. burner for 5-6 minutes, then stop and
Execution: The lance is inserted into the boiler and open the soot drain valve to discharge
rotated to cover all areas. Steam is then blown any remaining water or soot.
through the lance to clean the tubes. Final Steps: Close the soot drain valve
Completion: After the blowing cycle, the lance is and operate the burner for an additional
retracted, and the steam supply is shut off. The 10-15 minutes to ensure the boiler is dry
process is repeated at regular intervals based on the and ready for service.
boiler’s operating conditions and fuel type.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regular soot blowing and water washing are essential for:
Efficiency: Clean tubes ensure optimal heat transfer, reducing fuel consumption and operational
costs.
Safety: Prevents the buildup of soot, which can lead to overheating and potential tube failure.
Longevity: Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of the boiler by preventing corrosion and wear
caused by soot and other deposits.
By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you can ensure your boiler operates efficiently and
safely, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

b) complete the table

Boiler Soot Blowing Boiler Water Washing

6 Choose the correct answer

 1. What is the primary purpose of soot 6. When is water washing typically
blowing in a boiler? performed on a boiler?
a) To increase the temperature of the boiler a) During regular operation
b) To remove soot build-up from heat transfer b) During scheduled maintenance when the
surfaces boiler is offline
c) To add more fuel to the boiler c) When the boiler is overheating
d) To cool down the boiler d) When the boiler is under high load
2. Which of the following is NOT a method 7. What is the recommended pressure for
of soot blowing? water jetting during boiler water washing?
a) Steam Soot Blowers a) 0.1 to 0.2 MPa
b) Acoustic Cleaning b) 0.4 to 0.6 MPa
c) Air Soot Blowers c) 0.8 to 1.0 MPa
d) Chemical Cleaning d) 1.2 to 1.4 MPa
3. What type of soot blower uses high- 8. What should be done after water jetting
pressure steam directed through a lance? to ensure the boiler tubes are clean?
a) Acoustic Cleaning a) Start the burner under high load
b) Steam Soot Blowers b) Visually inspect the tubes through the
c) Air Soot Blowers checking hatch
d) Chemical Cleaning c) Close the soot drain valve immediately
4. Which method of soot blowing uses d) Increase the water pressure
sound waves to dislodge soot? 9. Why is regular maintenance through
a) Steam Soot Blowers soot blowing and water washing
b) Acoustic Cleaning important?
c) Air Soot Blowers a) To increase fuel consumption
d) Chemical Cleaning b) To prevent the buildup of soot and ensure
5. During the soot blowing procedure, what optimal heat transfer
is the first step? c) To reduce the lifespan of the boiler
a) Insert the lance into the boiler d) To increase operational costs
b) Open the steam supply valve 10. What is the final step in the water
c) Rotate the lance washing procedure?
d) Shut off the steam supply a) Connect the water jet cleaning lance
b) Open the soot drain valve
c) Operate the burner for an additional 10-15
minutes
d) Stop the boiler burner

7 Mark the statements as True or False and correct the False ones.
1. Soot blowing is used to add more fuel to the boiler.
2. Steam soot blowers use high-pressure steam to dislodge soot from
boiler tubes.
3. Acoustic cleaning uses sound waves to create vibrations that dislodge
soot from the boiler tubes.
4. Air soot blowers are the most common method of soot blowing.
5. Soot blowing can be performed while the boiler is in operation.
6. Water washing is typically performed during regular operation of the
boiler.
7. The recommended pressure for water jetting during boiler water
washing is 0.4 to 0.6 MPa.
8. After water jetting, it is important to visually inspect the tubes to
ensure they are clean.
9. Regular maintenance through soot blowing and water washing
 increases operational costs.
10. The final step in the water washing procedure is to operate the
burner for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure the boiler is dry and
ready for service.

8 Answer the questions

1) What is the primary purpose of soot blowing in a boiler?

2) What are the different types of steam soot blowers?
3) What are the key steps in the soot blowing procedure?
4) When is water washing typically performed on a boiler?
5) What are the initial preparation steps for water washing a boiler?
6) What is the recommended pressure and flow rate for water jetting?
7) Why is it important to ensure proper drainage during the water
washing process?
8) What should be done after water jetting to ensure the boiler tubes are
clean?
9) How is the boiler dried after water washing?
10) What are the final steps to ensure the boiler is ready for service
after water washing?
11) How does regular cleaning extend the lifespan of the boiler?

9 a) Define the processes

A process used to remove soot build-up from the heat transfer
surfaces of a boiler.
Uses high-pressure steam to dislodge soot from boiler tubes.

Uses sound waves to create vibrations that dislodge soot.

High-pressure air is used instead of steam.

Performed during scheduled maintenance when the boiler is offline.

Connect a cleaning lance to a fresh water supply and direct the
water jet into the smoke tubes.
Visually inspect the tubes to ensure they are clean.

Start the burner under low load to dry the tube surfaces.
Clean tubes ensure optimal heat transfer, reducing fuel consumption
and operational costs.
Prevents the buildup of soot, which can lead to overheating and
potential tube failure.

b) Write sentences with the information from a)

1._______________________________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________________________
3._______________________________________________________________________
4._______________________________________________________________________
5._______________________________________________________________________
6._______________________________________________________________________
7._______________________________________________________________________
8._______________________________________________________________________
9._______________________________________________________________________
10.______________________________________________________________________

Speaking

10 Complete the conversation

Engine Cadet: Good morning, Second Engineer. I wanted to ask you about the soot blowing
process for our boiler. Could you explain it to me?
Second Engineer: Good morning! Sure, I'd be happy to explain. Soot blowing is a process we
use to ________________________________________________________. This soot is a by-
product of _____________________________________________________.
Engine Cadet: I see. What methods do we use for soot blowing?
Second Engineer: We primarily use three methods: _______________________________.
Steam soot blowers use _____________________________________________________.
Acoustic cleaning uses __________________________________________________. Air soot
blowers use _______________________________________________________.
Engine Cadet: That makes sense. How do we perform the soot blowing procedure?
Second Engineer: First, we ensure the boiler is
_______________________________________. Then, we open
_______________________________. The lance is inserted into the boiler and rotated to
______________. Steam is blown through the lance to _________________. After the blowing
cycle, we retract __________________________. This process is repeated at regular intervals
based on ______________________________________.
Engine Cadet: Got it. What about water washing? When do we use that?
Second Engineer: Water washing is used for
_________________________________________. It's typically performed during
______________________________________. We start by
_________________________________________. Then, we open _________________ at the
base of the furnace and the _________________________________.
Engine Cadet: And how do we actually clean the tubes with water?
Second Engineer: We connect a
___________________________________________________. We ensure the water flow rate is
____________________. It’s important to make sure that water and soot are
_____________________. We might need to repeat the jetting process to ensure thorough
cleaning.
Engine Cadet: What do we do after the water jetting?
Second Engineer: After water jetting, we ___________________________________________.
If any soot remains, we __________________. Then, we start the burner
____________________. We stop the burner, open the
____________________________________________. Finally, we operate the burner
______________________________________________________________.
Engine Cadet: Thanks for the detailed explanation! I understand the importance of regular
maintenance now.
Second Engineer: You’re welcome! Regular soot blowing and water washing are
____________________________________. It’s great to see you’re eager to learn about these
processes. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
11 Comment on the situations
 Situation 1: Inefficient Boiler Performance
Problem: The boiler’s efficiency has significantly decreased, and fuel
consumption has increased.
Possible Causes:
Solution:

Situation 2: Boiler Tube Overheating

Problem: The boiler tubes are overheating, leading to potential damage.
Possible Causes:
Solution:

Situation 3: Persistent Soot After Soot Blowing

Problem: Soot remains on the boiler tubes even after performing soot
blowing.
Possible Causes:
Solution:

Situation 4: Boiler Shutdown for Maintenance

Problem: The boiler needs to be shut down for scheduled maintenance,
including water washing.
Possible Causes:
Solution:

Situation 5: Increased Operational Costs

Problem: The operational costs of the boiler have increased due to higher
fuel consumption.
Possible Causes:
Solution:

Situation 6: Boiler Tube Erosion

Problem: Boiler tubes show signs of erosion and wear.
Possible Causes:
Solution:

12 Describe boiler soot blowing and water washing.