¦ASSET MANAGEMENT
SPECIFYING FANS AND BLOWERS FOR BIOMASS APPLICATIONS Leveraging smart technology can reduce maintenance and power consumption costs, as well as compound cost savings over time with continuous monitoring and optimization. BY MARGARET WOOD
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pecifying blowers for biomass energy applications requires finding the best value between the initial capital expense and ongoing operating costs. Biomass applications are inherently tough on fans, with extreme temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (980 degrees Celsius), high vibration and heavy dust loads that can quickly wear down components. Meanwhile, fan reliability is paramount, as the equipment supports many critical functions. The harshness of the environment— coupled with stringent energy and environmental standards—can make it challenging to specify industrial fans and blowers that both withstand the demands of biomass applications and avoid exorbitant costs. It is a delicate balance: attempting to cut costs upfront can come back to bite in the form of excessive power consumption due to inefficient fan operation, financial risk due to safety hazards, and high ongoing maintenance and repair costs. In many cases, specifications for biomass applications come with outdated requirements or no allowance for inexpensive options and newer technology.
Finding the Balance
Fortunately, economical options do exist, and the challenges brought on by outdated methods are no longer inevitable. Instead, smart technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming the industry and making possible what was once unimaginable. Now, there are many avenues to achieve high standards of equipment re-
The integration of remote monitoring systems is becoming more common. Pictured above is a shaft collar pressure and air temperature gauge. PHOTO: NEW YORK BLOWER COMPANY
liability, safety and efficiency while reducing the costs of equipment installation, operation and maintenance. The key? Leveraging IoT technology to reduce maintenance and power consumption costs, and compound cost savings over time with continuous monitoring and optimization. The following are steps to achieve these goals.
Reduce Maintenance, Repair and Replacement Costs
Biomass power generation creates a hot and polluted environment for air-blowing equipment. For this reason, the first step to saving costs is specifying industrial fans suited to the environment to avoid the need for frequent repair or replacement. For example, induced draft (ID) fans for boiler applications should be constructed with wear-resistant materials like heavy-duty carbon steel. In addition, surfaces that are particularly susceptible to wear should be covered with liners or overlay material as an additional
layer of protection. Fans used in boiler applications must also be able to withstand the high heats, including both normal operating temperatures and short bursts of very high heat—as high as 1,800 degrees—to ensure major fan components can survive in case of a boiler malfunction. Along with extreme temperatures, the presence of dust and debris must also be considered when specifying fans for cost savings. When dust particulates accumulate on the fan, this buildup can reduce performance, efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, dust buildup on fan blades is rarely uniform and can lead to rotor imbalances, increases in vibration, and early bearing wear and failure. A reputable fan manufacturer can help you select the appropriate blade geometry to limit particulate buildup and protect the fan from costly damage. A rugged build and ideal geometry is no longer enough for fans supporting critical power generation processes. Robust design
CONTRIBUTION: The claims and statements made in this article belong exclusively to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Biomass Magazine or its advertisers. All questions pertaining to this article should be directed to the author(s).
30 BIOMASS MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2, 2022
