The Purpose and Importance of a

Soot Blower
Industrial power facilities, utilize a variety of fuel sources such as oil , coal, gas
and combustable byproducts. No matter what type of product is burned in a
furnace or power boiler, the combustion process will produce a large amount of
ash, gases, soot and other by-products. It is important to clean the internal
heating surfaces at set intervals to prevent build-up within their systems.Soot
blowers are an effective and efficient means of regularly and safely cleaning the
internal heating surface.

What is a Soot Blower?

A soot blower blasts air, steam or water (or a combination) to remove soot and
ash from the interior walls of the boiler heating surfaces. The soot blower can be
set to operate automatically at timed intervals or be controlled manually.

Some power generation plants that use multiple sources of fuel will have dozens
of soot blowers in operation. Many of these are retractable and mounted on a
rotary lance to enable them to traverse the furnace internals and have multiple
nozzles to clean at all angles.

Of course, proper protective gear for employees and a good filtration system are
musts when using a soot blower. The particulates blasted into the air are
hazardous, so capturing them and disposing of them safely is crucial.

Soot Blowers Protect Furnace Tubes and Shells

A soot blower can minimize the risk of a soot fire. Such a fire can cause hotspots
to appear in the furnace tubes, which can then reach a temperature to weaken
the structural integrity of the tubes. The dangers and potential damage of a
weakened furnace structure are extreme.

Soot Blowers Improve Operational Efficiency

Soot is a heat insulator. The more there is inside equipment, the more energy will
be needed to get the equipment up to optimal operating temperature. No
company wants to waste energy. It’s too expensive.

Fuels that fire boilers result in many kinds of by-products coating the heating
surfaces; not just soot or ash, but even slag. It can get on walls, screens,
reheaters, you name it. Every item coated in soot reduces energy efficiency and
increases risk. A soot blower is an essential tool for maintaining efficiency and
doing so safely.

As with any reciprocating and rotating equipment effective sealing of the

Sootblower is of paramount importance. Any combustion gases and particulate
escaping from the boiler cavity can create occupational and safety hazards. This
is where the utilization of an effective mechanical packing arrangement can
reduce maintenance and ensure a safe operation .