a refractory lined waste heat boiler having a hot spot?

[Innvov]

In my chemical plant, a refractory lined waste heat boiler has developed a hot spot. It is around size of a football and temp. is 300 degC. Can anyone provide information on how to cool this hot spot and continue the plant operation?

 

[chicopee]

My procedure would be to shut down the boiler and then repair the refractory lining after the furnace has cooled down, otherwise, how could do the job.

 

[gcastan]

change the refractory

Gabriel Castaneda, P.E.

http://www.gabcheminc.com

 

[crshears]

What's causing the hot spot? Is there a water side problem such that less heat transfer is occurring locally? Has a void developed within the refractory itself?

CR

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27:17, NIV]

 

[chicopee]

crshears, probably flame impingement.

 

[crshears]

OP doesn't identify the fuel or its firing method, so could be...hadn't thought of incorrect flame shape/geometry.

CR

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27:17, NIV]

 

[jte]

More info would be better, but at first glance a football (round or pointy ends?) sized hot spot at 300°C isn't worth bothering to cool. Continue to run and monitor. Seriously, it isn't all that hot. More of a "warm spot".

Should the spot grow in size or temperature, I'd start with blowing some steam on it to provide cooling. This is very commonly done. Depending on exact circumstances, a sooner than planned shutdown may be in order for a proper refractory or burner repair.