Improving the Energy Efficiency of the Hydraulic Ash Removal System of a Thermal Power Plant

A method for analysis of the settling of a suspension based on the experimental determination of the settling time of polydisperse particles from its surface to the level of the clarified-water drain in the settler is proposed. The method was used to analyze the clarification of ash-and-slag suspension in the hydraulic ash removal system of a solid-fuel-fired power plant. The obtained results are in agreement with the experience of operating settlers. It is shown that the preliminary thickening of the ash-and-slag suspension by the proposed method significantly reduces the volume of materials transported to the ash dump and the energy consumption for the operation of the hydraulic ash removal system.