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Operating experiences of the TESC BWE filter in the Escatron PFBC power plant

Conference ·
OSTI ID:20006704
A Ceramic Filter based on the TESC (Two Ends Supported Candle) concept by BWE has been operating since November 1997 at the 71 MWe Escatron PFBC Power Plant of ENDESA S.A. The Ceramic Filter is treating 1/9 of the combustion gases (this is 10.5 Kg/s), replacing a secondary cyclone, at temperatures ranging 750--820 C. The aim of this Project is to demonstrate the performance of a Ceramic Filter based on the TESC system, which keeps the ceramic elements working on compression by a pneumatic supporting system. The Escatron PFBC plant burns local lignites working under commercial conditions, and the objective is to optimize the main filtration parameters for these coals. The operating experience will permit evaluation of the design, the prediction of life expectancy of the materials used, while carrying out the tests needed to define commercial operating parameters. At present (December 1998) 4,420 hours of operation have been logged, 2,300 hours through the Ceramic Filter (mainly at full load) and the rest through a bypass cyclone system. The longest continuous Filter run lasted 687 hours, while the average run duration at the present test period is around 500 hours. Some problems regarding massive ash bridging due to the extremely sticky nature of the ash have been the main operating problem. Nevertheless, the operating results together with the very few candle failures (only in two of the runs) have proved that the TESC concept is right and a promising way to commercial hot gas filtration units. This paper describes the Escatron Filter Plant and reviews the operation experiences of the TESC Ceramic Filter at 71 MWe Escatron PFBC Plant.
Research Organization:
Babcock Wilcox Espanola, Bilbao (ES)
OSTI ID:
20006704
Report Number(s):
CONF-990534--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English