Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to outline some of the salient features of the low-pressure recirculating water systems of ash handling, and to discuss some of the difficulties encountered with the pumps and the associated equipment employed. The author introduces his subject with a general consideration of the factors affecting the design of the ash plant, including its location in regard to the rest of the power station, the best type of plant to employ, and the general working conditions of the power station itself. This is followed by a description of the low-pressure systems for the water-sluicing of ashes and the methods of handling and disposing of the material. Space is also devoted to those features which require particular attention in order to secure the best results in operation. The physical characteristics of boiler ash are considered in some detail and typical ash and grit analyses and properties are given.
One of the most important problems arising in this field is the corrosion which takes place in ash handling plant. The author gives details of the loss of metal in such circumstances, and gives the results of carefully controlled tests. The chief desiderata in the design of troughs and pumps are also outlined, and the paper concludes with some useful information on the costs of operation and maintenance of ash-handling plants.
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