Sootblower Durability Can Have a Significant Impact on Overall Boiler Efficiency

DuPont Performance Lubricants has introduced the DuPont™ Krytox® SB series of greases, a new formulation of Krytox® that has been specially designed to improve sootblower performance in power plant boilers.  The unique properties of DuPont™ Krytox® SB greases (patent pending) can help extend the life of a sootblower, leading to improved boiler operating efficiency as well as a savings of both time and dollars resulting from reduced maintenance activities related to upkeep and equipment replacement. 

Sootblowers, which are cleaning devices used to remove deposits of soot, ash and debris from surfaces such as boiler tubes and walls, play an essential role in the operation of a power plant.  Sootblowers help maintain boiler production capacity, ensuring maximum energy recovery and minimizing environmental stack excursions.  However, sootblower carriages need constant monitoring and repair. 

The DuPont™ Krytox® SB series of greases has been proven to lubricate and protect key sootblower carriage components such as seals, bearings and gears without breaking down, despite an environment where temperatures can reach as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit.  In addition to superior wear performance, DuPont™ Krytox® SB greases feature a state-of-the-art anticorrosion package that prevents corrosion of stored elements and corrosion of elements in the box during operation.

“In response to market feedback regarding dissatisfaction with the failure rate of sootblower carriages, DuPont initiated a program to improve sootblower reliability and reduce associated maintenance costs through the use of advanced lubrication technology,” said Susan Sotiropoulos, global business manager, DuPont Performance Lubricants.  “This effort led to the development of Krytox® SB, a lubricant that has been shown to be a more durable and cost-effective alternative than traditional greases and oils that are typically used to maintain sootblowers today.”

DuPont created a controlled testing environment for rigorous evaluation of the performance of DuPont™ Krytox® SB greases versus competitive offerings.  In the test, Krytox® SB was used to lubricate the lance hub area and the gears of one sootblower carriage, while the other carriage used conventional lubricants.  After running 11,929 rotational cycles, the sootblower box lubricated with the traditional lubricant failed catastrophically; the Krytox® SB-lubricated box continued to run without incident for an additional 10,299 cycles at which time the test was terminated without failure.  Under a worst-case operating scenario, the Krytox® SB-lubricated sootblower operated for the equivalent of approximately five years without failure.  Under a more generally accepted severe duty cycle, the time equates to more than 20 years.

“Sootblower breakdowns have a tangible effect on the financial performance of a power plant.  By improving sootblower performance, DuPont™ Krytox® SB can reduce maintenance costs while increasing uptime and boiler efficiency, helping to make a positive impact on both the top and bottom lines.”

DuPont is a science-based products and services company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

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Contact: 
Dina Baker
302-992-3002
dina.baker@usa.dupont.com