This paper describes the successful development of an ash-deposit monitoring system for use in large pulverized-coal fired boilers. Using commercially proven heat flux meters the system measures the severity of ash deposition by measuring the net decrease in heat flux through the boiler walls. Testing of a prototype in two Canadian Utility boilers burning Western coals has shown that the system gives a reliable measure of the cleanliness of furnace walls and of the effectiveness (or failure) of soot blowers to remove deposits. Indications are that the system will be valuable in improving efficiency of boiler operations and in minimizing slagging and fouling problems when firing difficult coals.

The corrosion of steel support components in the underground mine environment is a significant problem for the industry and has broad safety implications for mineworkers.

The etfect of ash deposits on the output of heat flux meters installed on the water wall tubes in pulverized coal fired utility boilers is studied. The objective is to use commercially available heat flux meters as the sensing devices for detecting and monitoring the growth of ash deposits. Reliable performance is shown and an attractive method is described for processing the heat flux meter output into a signal related to the ash deposit only and independent of variation of boiler load and firing conditions in the combustion chamber. Patents are pending for this Monitoring System.