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| Vane actuator style damper drive (courtesy of Rotork Type K) |
Airflow is one of the most critical components of boiler control ensuring for safe, reliable, and efficient operation. Poor airflow control can result in toxic gas production, inefficient burning, erratic cycling, and flame outs. More efficient combustion is key to lowering emissions, and the key to efficient combustion is optimizing the flow of combustion air and flue gas.
Dampers are used to control the quantity of air admitted to the furnace, and tighter boiler draft control significantly improves combustion. However, many of todays boilers employ old technologies, such as gear-laden, electric motor style damper drives that are not accurate or lack the required power to position the airflow dampers quickly or with repeatability.
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| Drop in pneumatic damper drive (Type K) |
Converting to pneumatic vane actuators is a proven method to provide high speed continuous modulation of ID (Induced draft) and FD (Forced Draft) fans, inlet guide vanes and secondary air dampers the accuracy and speed required for precise control. Replacing obsolete electric drives with fast acting pneumatic damper drives, driven by rotary vane actuators, offers significant improvements to burner management and cleaner performance.
The pneumatic vane actuator style damper drive is fabricated to deliver “drop-in-place” retrofit designs that precisely fits the application without any field engineering or additional fabrication. As part of the overall design strategy, existing connection rods, linkages and shaft accessories are be used without modification, resulting in quick change out and fast commissioning.
The performance of the vane actuator is key, providing 100% duty cycle, high torque outputs, and robust construction designed to handle hot, dirty and high-vibration environments. Vane actuators have long been known for their extreme long life and ability to withstand high cycle rates.
Tight control is provided by highly accurate, direct-mount pneumatic and electro-pneumatic positioners. A variety of optional network communication systems such as HART, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, and Modbus are also available.
Pneumatic vane actuator damper drives provide fast and accurate positioning, reduces overall operating air consumption, and saves cost by lowering fuel consumption. If you’re under pressure to improve boiler performance, and see improved burner management as part of the solution, upgrading your old gear-driven mechanical drives to drop-in vane actuators dampers drives will provide immediate improvements in efficiency and a substantial return on investment.
For more information on pneumatic damper drives, contact:
Power Specialties, Inc.
9118 E. 72nd Terrace
Raytown, MO 64133
Toll Free: (800) 432-6550
Phone: (816) 353-6550
Fax: (816) 353-1740
