Improving Coal Pulverizer Performance and Reliability

This technical report discusses the performance and reliability issues associated with coal pulverizers in the power generation industry. It outlines the significant impact of pulverizer-related problems on plant availability, with studies indicating that an average of 1% of plant availability is lost due to these issues. The report details various types of coal pulverizers, including Ball-Tube Mills, Impact Mills, Vertical Roller Mills, and Ring-Roll and Ball-Race Mills, explaining their operational mechanisms. It also addresses contamination ingression in pulverizer lubrication systems, highlighting how inadequate filtration leads to increased wear and reduced equipment lifespan. The report recommends filtration upgrades to achieve better cleanliness control, specifically suggesting the use of Ultipleat SRT filters. A case study illustrates the financial impact of pulverizer failures, detailing a significant revenue loss due to downtime and the benefits of improved oil cleanliness through filtration solutions. The report concludes with recommendations for maintaining optimal lubrication conditions to enhance pulverizer reliability.