PULVERIZER FIRE AND EXPLOSION

Fires and Explosions

The presence of combustible materials in the pulverizer is

usually the largest contributor to pulverizer fires. In most
cases, pulverizer fires begin in the under bowl area of the
pulverizer that is a very hot environment with an abundance
of air. Accumulations of debris or coal anywhere in the
pulverizer will increase the chance of a mill fire. The pyrite
removal chute should be inspected often to ensure rejected
material is removed from the under bowl area. Stoppage of
pyrite chute flow can cause debris and-or coal to back-up into
the primary air ducting.
Symptoms of a mill fire include the following:

Rapid increases in pulverizer outlet

temperature above set-point.

A pungent sulfurous odor of

smoldering coal.

Peeling paint on the pulverizer or

burner lines.

Discharge of sparks or burning embers

from the pyrite chute.

Pulverizer housing or burner lines are

glowing red
.

Mill fires require immediate attention to prevent damage to

the pulverizer and more damaging mill puffs. Explosions in
a pulverized coal system are normally called puffs. A mill
puff is an explosion in the mill system caused by an explosive
combination of coal, air and temperature. Mill puffs most
often originate in the under bowl area and can cause very
destructive damage to the primary air ducting.

Mill puffs or explosions can be very dangerous resulting in serious damage to the pulverizer system or injury to
personnel. When conditions that promote mill puffs are evident, personnel should promptly make correction
actions and avoid the immediate area around the pulverizers.

Fires and Explosions

Fundamental precautionary methods to reduce the chance of a pulverizer puff is to ensure the
following:
Pulverizer airflow is adequate to facilitate stable transport of coal without settling in the burner line (>3,500 Fpm)
but not excessively high to provide an abundant source of air for combustion in the presence of an ignition
source. Ignition sources could be smoldering coal in the classifier, pulverizer or raw coal in the high temperature
under bowl area.
All efforts must be taken to prevent coal from accumulating or settling in any of the pulverizer components. Dry
coal that is allowed to remain in the pulverizer system can spontaneously ignite. Raw coal to the pulverizer must
be uninterrupted and controllable. Precise feeder control and minimal stoppages above and below the feeder are
crucial. Hot smoldering or burner raw fuel anywhere in the pulverizer system is considered serious. Raw coal that
is allowed to spill into the under bowl (air inlet) section and is allowed to accumulate will be exposed to high
temperature (usually 500F or higher) and will eventually smolder and begin to burn. It is imperative that raw coal
spillage into the under bowl area be prevented. When raw coal spillage is observed, immediate action should be
taken.

Boiler Slagging
Pulverizer Fire and Explosions
Pulverizer Vibration Issues
Reduced Unit Capacity
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