BHEL - Pioneers in AFBC Boiler Technology in India

BHEL is the pioneer in Atmospheric Fluidised Bed Combustion (AFBC) technology - bubbling bed type - in India with a proven track record based on extensive in-house R&D for better utilization of existing energy sources.

BHEL offers customers a wide range of user-friendly AFBC boilers suitable for firing a wide variety of low calorific value fuels.

BHEL has received national recognition in India for this specialised technology.

BHEL AFBC boilers - The R&D advantage 

BHEL's pioneering AFBC technology is backed by extensive testing and development in dedicated R&D
facilities including unique in-house installations such as...

• A 10 ton/hr Prototype AFBC Boiler - in operation since 1977

• A 0.4 Million Kcal/h (0.5m x 0.5m) Combustion Facility - in operation since 1979 

• The BHEL-USAID AFBC Freeboard Test Facility - in operation since 1986 

Fuels tested...

• Various grades of Coal (with Ash content ranging from 26% to 55%)

• Lignite containing moisture ranging from 14% to 55% and Sulphur content of 0.3% to 2.5% 

• Washery Middlings & Rejects (Ash content as high as 73%) 

• Waste Fuels (DRI ash, ESP dust, Spent Liquor, Distillery Sludge, Paper Sludge) 

• Biomass (Rice husk, Straw, Woodchips, Sawdust, Groundnut shells)

BHEL's dedicated FBC test facilities enable continuous upgradation of technology and the development of bubbling-bed AFBC boilers designed to burn practically any fuel.

BHEL's AFBC Boilers - Unique Design Features

• Specially developed fuel feeders and feeding system to handle even fuels with high moisture content

• Unique and simple protection feature for bed swept surfaces 

• Innovative oil-fired start-up system, relatively free from manual intervention which ensures trouble-free unit
  start-up 

• Simpler operation 

• Versatility in application 

BHEL AFBC Boilers - Proven track record

• AFBC Boilers supplied by BHEL are in operation throughout India with capacities ranging from 1.5 ton/hr to 100 ton/hr designed to fire a variety of fuels including lignite, high ash coals, washery rejects, middlings and biomass.

• BHEL is now executing a contract for 165 ton/hr (180 ton/hr peak rating) AFBC boiler - Largest capacity
  AFBC boiler in India.

BHEL's AFBC Boilers - Advantages 

• Field proven technology 

• Fuel Flexibility 
  - Low-grade (high ash) and low volatile coals, washery middlings and rejects, lignite, industrial wastes like kiln char, ESP dust etc. 

• Reduced Maintenance 
  - Minimum use of refractory significantly reduces boiler maintenance and spares inventory. 

• High Efficiency 
  - Higher boiler efficiency can be achieved and can be maintained even at part loads. 

• No soot blowers 
  - Low temperature (850°C) combustion eliminates fouling and slagging. 

• Wide turn-down 
  - Better turndown can be achieved without the need for supplementary firing. 

• Quick start-up and fast response
  - Instantaneous fuel combustion due to presence of high ignition energy in the hot bed and uniform distribution of combustion air. 
  - Fast response to fluctuating load due to the large amount of heat stored in bed solids (which acts as a
  thermal flywheel).

Email Enquiry