Pulverized Fuel Operations: RIHAND Document Insights

A document outlining instructions for safe operation and maintenance of a pulverized fuel plant at the Rihand Thermal Power Station.

A flammable mixture of combustible materials, often dust or fuel particles, and air. This mixture, when ignited, can lead to rapid combustion and an explosion within the PF plant.

Sources of ignition can be anything that provides the energy to start a fire or explosion within a PF plant. Examples include sparks, hot surfaces, static electricity, and even friction.

The process of carefully explaining and teaching the safe operation and maintenance of the pulverized fuel plant to all personnel involved. This includes practical training on the equipment, procedures, and safety protocols.

Pulverized fuel (PF) refers to the finely ground coal used in the PF Plant. It is essential to handle this fuel safely due to its potential for ignition and explosion.

The maximum rate at which a PF mill can process coal, typically measured in tons per hour (MT/hr).

Refers to the percentage of coal particles that pass through a 200-mesh sieve, indicating the fineness of pulverized fuel.

A measure of the ease with which a type of coal can be pulverized, with higher values indicating easier grinding.

A potential hazard in PF plants, where a rapid combustion of pulverized fuel mixed with air can cause significant damage.

The release of pulverized fuel from its designated system or container, posing a risk of ignition and explosion.

Possible causes of a PF explosion include accidental ignition of oil, hot surfaces, sparks, or electrostatic discharges.

The ideal air-to-fuel ratio in a milling system falls between 1.5:1 and 3.5:1.

An explosive mixture in a milling system is impossible when the air/fuel ratio is weaker than 5:1.

Loss of coal feed, air ingress, faulty controls, and weak mixtures due to manual control can lead to explosive mixtures during operation.

A rare but possible event in milling systems where static coal ignites causing an explosion. This event is most likely to occur in the coal bunker outlet/feeder area.

A rare occurrence in boiler furnaces where an explosion can happen when an accumulating fuel cloud fails to ignite or ignition is lost during operation.

A rare event where complete loss of ignition in a boiler furnace is preceded by deteriorating combustion conditions.

A potentially damaging event in boiler furnaces where partial loss of ignition can occur, with potentially damaging consequences upon re-ignition.

Unstable combustion conditions are frequently associated with fuel quality changes in a boiler furnace.

Pulverized fuel cannot be ignited by the primary air alone, but uncooled coal deposits can catch fire even at room temperature.

A condition where fuel or gas leaks accumulate in a pulverized fuel (PF) system, posing an explosion risk.

A system's ability to quickly remove accumulated fuel or gas, preventing a fire or explosion.

The minimum safe speed of fuel in pipes to prevent fuel deposition and potential fire hazards.

A state where a PF system is considered an ignition source due to over-pressurization, requiring careful handling.

The maximum allowable temperature for a running mill, determined by coal type and system design.

Regular inspections and maintenance of vital fire protection systems in a PF system.

A detailed plan to evacuate personnel from a PF station in case of an emergency.

Clear communication channels and a designated leader for handling PF system abnormalities.

A strict policy limiting personnel near a PF system, especially when unstable operation is suspected.