In a thermal power plant, the crusher house is critical to managing the quality and size of the coal used for combustion inside the boilers. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the crusher house typically operates:
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Coal Handling:
- Raw coal, transported by rail or conveyor belts, arrives at the crusher house where it needs to be processed.
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Crushing Process:
- In the crusher house, the raw coal is either manually or automatically fed into crushers.
- Crushers (such as jaw crushers, hammer crushers, or ring granulators) reduce the size of the incoming coal to a manageable size, usually less than 20mm.
- This crushed coal is easier to handle and more efficient to burn in the power plant’s boilers.
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Screening:
- The crushed coal is then screened to separate fine coal particles from larger particles.
- Larger particles are re-routed back to the crushers for additional crushing.
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Conveying System:
- The properly sized coal is then transferred via conveyor belts to the coal bunkers or storage areas.
- From the coal bunkers, coal is continually fed into the boiler’s combustion chamber.
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Dust Control & Ventilation:
- Continuous operation produces coal dust, which needs to be managed.
- Dust suppression systems (like water sprays) and proper ventilation ensure safety and environmental compliance.
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Automation and Control:
- Modern crusher houses are often equipped with automated systems that control the feeding rate, crushing levels, and conveyors, ensuring a steady flow of processed coal.
- Use of sensors and monitoring systems to ensure system efficiency and to detect malfunctions.
Safety Considerations:
- Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions.
- Implementation of fire protection systems as coal dust can be highly combustible.
- Training staff to handle emergencies and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
By managing the coal size and quality properly, the crusher house supports the efficiency and effectiveness of the thermal power plant’s operations.
