Case study

[Industry] Plant engineering

[Name] Support rails in air conveyor systems

Application:	Wet Scrubber System Modules
Quantity:	24
Liner:	TIVAR® 88-2, 1/4” Thick
Bulk Material:	Sub-Bituminous Coal (PRB)
Substrate:	10 Gauge Stainless Steel
Problem:	Wear, Abrasion, Cost
Date Installed:	1999 - 2000

The Challenge

: Original NSP Sherco scrubber module configuration.

The original scrubber module for Units 1 & 2 was retrofitted with the wet precipitator system to further reduce the emissions of particles and SO2. However, the 10 gauge stainless steel sloping surface above the venturi rods and the crossover duct slope under the venturi rods could not withstand the abrasive conditions of the spray, so maintenance personnel were frequently called upon to patch holes. Eventually, they had to line the area, trying first a polyurethane that was successful, but expensive. When it, too, needed to be replaced, plant staff determined they would look for a material with which they were familiar and one that was not only abrasionand wear-resistant, but also cost-effective.

Quadrant’s solution

: Retrofitted System - 101 Module West Esp Flush Water P&ID

Having a familiarity with Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products and its TIVAR® 88 material from applications at other Xcel plants, TIVAR® 88-2 liners were installed. Chosen for its key abrasion- and wear-resistance properties, TIVAR® 88-2 was lower in cost compared to other liners options. Additional benefits included no flyash build-up due to TIVAR® 88-2’s low coefficient of friction and the fact that TIVAR® 88-2 was easy to fabricate.

The TIVAR® 88-2 liners are performing exceptionally well according to senior system engineers at Xcel. Maintenance costs and downtime have been reduced while maintaining the 10% stack opacity.

^{Important: Most plastics will ignite and sustain flame under certain conditions. Caution is urged where any material may be exposed to open flame or heat generating equipment. Use Material Safety Data Sheets to determine auto-ignition and flashpoint temperatures of material or consult Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products. WARRANTY: Characteristics and applications for products are shown for information only and should not be viewed as recommendations for use or fitness for any particular purpose. TIVAR® and SystemTIVAR® are registered trademarks of Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products, Inc.}