Recent discoveries of vast natural gas reserves in the United States have led to increased domestic natural gas production, resulting in lower prices. Utility and large industrial facilities are performing solid fuel conversions on their boilers to natural gas as a cost-effective and efficient fuel solution. Natural gas is not only economically beneficial but also environmentally efficient with cheaper prices and reduced SO2, NOx, and CO2 emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released mandatory requirements that directly affect the cost effective operation of solid fuel boilers, resulting in natural gas becoming a more economically appealing choice of fuel for facility operators.
As more facilities consider boiler fuel conversions, it is important to understand all facets of the conversion, from the thermal evaluation of the boiler, to the complete design, supply and installation of the new firing system. Zeeco will provide specific details and recommended practices from a recent Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Boiler solid fuel conversion to natural gas application designed for 1.3 billion Btu/hr of heat input for the maximum continuous steam rating. The information will detail the boiler conversion from a solid fuel fluid bed to a 100% natural gas fired boiler design. Thermal performance results, design and supply of the complete new gas firing system, and installation conversion assistance for the boiler modifications and firing system installation details are also provided.