The Potential of Pulse-Jet Baghouses for Utility Boilers. Part 1: A Worldwide Survey of Users

Abstract

Pulse-jet fabric filters (PJFFs) are widely used in U.S. industrial boiler applications and in utility and industrial boilers abroad. Their smaller size and reduced cost relative to more conventional baghouses make PJFFs appear to be a particularly attractive particulate control option for utility boilers. This paper summarizes the results of a survey co-funded by the Electric Power Research Institute and the Canadian Electric Association to characterize the performance of and operating experiences with PJFFs applied to coal-fired boilers. The survey involved site visits to interview technical and plant personnel involved in the design, installation and day-to-day operation of PJFFs worldwide. Actual field experiences with PJFF performance in terms of outlet emissions, pressure drop and bag life for different types of pulse-jet cleaning methods, fabrics and boilers are compared. The second part of this series will present results of pilot PJFF studies conducted by EPRI at different U.S. utility sites on different fuel types to corroborate the performance observed in this worldwide survey. Part 3 will provide a cost comparison of PJFFs to other particulate control options such as electrostatic precipitators and reverse-gas baghouses.