Cooler for CFBC Boiler: Ensuring Safe and Efficient Ash Handling in Power Plants

　　In modern circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) power plants, effective ash handling plays a crucial role in maintaining operational efficiency and environmental compliance. One of the most reliable solutions in this field is the cooler for CFBC boiler, particularly the screw cooler, which has proven essential in cooling hot ash before transport and storage.

　　Advanced Technology for Ash Cooling

　　The cooler for CFBC boiler is engineered to handle boiler ash discharged at temperatures up to 950℃ and reduce it to 200℃ or below. This process makes the ash suitable for safe pneumatic or mechanical transport to ash silos, significantly minimizing risks of equipment damage and ensuring environmental safety.

　　Songling’s screw cooler design incorporates a rotating helical screw blade wrapped around a shaft inside a jacketed U-trough. The ash is conveyed and cooled as it moves along the trough, often positioned at a slight incline. The cooling rate is directly influenced by the shaft’s rotation speed, which is precisely managed through a variable frequency drive (VFD).

　　Depending on ash handling requirements, two internal designs are widely applied:

　　1.Solid Flight Design – Cooling achieved via the jacketed trough and shaft, ideal for moderate ash volumes.

　　2.Hollow Flight Design – Allows cooling medium to flow inside hollow flights, maximizing heat transfer surface area for higher ash rates.

　　Common Challenges in Operation

　　Despite its robust performance, the cooler for CFBC boiler faces certain challenges that operators must address:

　　High Wear and Tear: Constant exposure to abrasive ash particles accelerates equipment wear.

　　Temperature Fluctuations: Rapid changes in ash temperature may cause uneven cooling or thermal stress.

　　Blockage and Build-up: Inconsistent ash flow can lead to clogging, reducing efficiency.

　　Maintenance Downtime: Access for cleaning and inspection remains critical to avoid unexpected shutdowns.

　　Industry experts recommend routine inspection, proper VFD calibration, and timely replacement of worn parts to minimize operational risks and extend equipment life.

　　Application Across Power and Industrial Sectors

　　The cooler for CFBC boiler is widely adopted in:

　　Thermal Power Plants: Ensures reliable cooling of ash streams before silo storage.

　　Waste-to-Energy Facilities: Helps handle high-temperature residues safely.

　　Industrial Boilers: Provides stable operation by preventing overheating in ash handling systems.

　　Conclusion

　　As power generation industries seek sustainable and efficient solutions, the cooler for CFBC boiler stands out as a critical technology for safe ash handling. By addressing common operational challenges through innovative designs such as solid flight and hollow flight systems, companies can enhance reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and improve environmental performance. With continuous advancements, the screw cooler is poised to remain a cornerstone in CFBC boiler operations worldwide.