Indian Material Handling Systems

To protect the biodiversity and prevent dumping of fly ash, there exists a law on collection and disposal of fly ash from coal-based industries and thermal power plants. Prior to the development of a technology to collect and recycle ash to make bricks and other items, it used to pollute the entire environment. It also posed serious health hazards like respiratory ailments. The enactment of a rigid policy on the disposal of ash ushered a new segment in the Indian industry. It resulted in the rapid growth of ash handling system manufacturers in India. Makers of material handling aids took the lead in this direction as they were already abreast with the boiler and turbine sectors.

Depending on the location and the process in vogue at a thermal-based plant, makers of ash

handling systems have evolved applicable technologies. Certain factors like the availability of ash disposal area, size of boiler, need for fly ash utilisation, pollution control requirement are kept in view while designing, manufacturing and commissioning of the handling systems. Apart from integrated and turnkey concepts, a good number of manufacturers undertake tailor-made systems.

The various systems manufactured in India are dry bottom ash collection, water impounded bottom ash hopper, hydro-bins, separator, decantation, hydro jet pumps, pneumatic conveyor and scrapper chain conveyor etc. The technology involves method of collection, conveying, interim storage and load out all sorts of ash residue from solid fuel combustion.

Another segment related to this sector is the system of handling coal and other fuels like lignite to respective plants. The coal handling equipment suppliers in India play a very vital role in the overall economy of the country. Often referred as the black diamond, coal has been the prime source of energy in the operation of thermal power stations and the steel and cement plants. Manufacture of conveyor belts and mechanized earth-moving systems like shovels and scoopers are the major players in coal handling equipment industry. In addition to catering to the domestic needs, this sector has also made a mark around the world. Stiff competition has been posed by makers of such systems from the USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Korea and China. Yet the Indian manufacturers of material handling aids have carved out a niche in the global market.

An Overview into Coal Plant Maintenance

When it comes to a coal plant, it comprises different machines and equipment that need maintenance on a regular basis to guarantee the efficient running of the plant.

There are two machines in every coal plant that require regular maintenance. They are as follows:

Wagon tipplers

• You may have bought the equipment from the best wagon tippler suppliers India; however you will need to follow specialized maintenance procedures to ensure their optimum functioning.
• Involved in emptying different loaded wagons by tipping it, these machines go through a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis.
• Proper oiling and cleaning is required to ensure friction less efficiency at all temperature and weight levels.
• The bearings between the tippling levers need special attention as these help in the tippling function of the machine.

Crushers

• These machines play an integral role in processing the coal nuggets in usable sizes.
• Coal is broken in with high impact and then scrubbed between two hard surfaces to be processed further.
• A crusher does both these jobs by combining attrition and impact crushing.
• Therefore, this machine needs regular cleaning and oiling to ensure better performance.
• Apart from this, coal crushing and scrubbing generates high temperatures, which can damage its walls and bearings if not maintained properly

Role of Remnant life assessment (RLA) in coal plants

A coal plant is known for generating excessive heat and temperatures that can harm the machines and equipment employed in coal processing and transportation.

Therefore, it becomes evident for maintenance procedures to include RLA processes. This procedure actually helps in predicting life expectancy of various machines and equipments thereby initiating maintenance procedures that help to sustain them for a longer period. RLA also helps in maintaining optimum safety measures in the plant as knowing the life span of the machine helps in replacing it before it wears out completely.

So, every coal plant will need to adopt different procedures of RLA to ensure better functioning of their machines and plant.