RECENT OPERATING EXPERIENCES OF THE ADVANCED CERAMIC TUBE FILTER (ACTF) FOR THE WAKAMATSU 71MW PFBC DEMONSTRATION PLANT AND DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PLANTS

The ACTF installed in the 71-MW PFBC demonstration plant at Wakamatsu Power Station of Electric Power Development Co., Ltd (EPDC) is the fir st demonstration scale ceramic filter system for high-temperature, hig h-pressure application. The ACTF, developed by Asahi Class Co. Ltd (AG C), is featured by inside to outside gas flow configuration with enhan ced downward flow by a self circulation blowdown system, vertically ar ranged tubes in three compartments, backpulse system with regenerators and water or steam cooled tube sheets. Cordierite with micro-pore str ucture is used for filter tube material because of superior chemical s tability and heat shock resistance. An extinguishing powder injection system is also provided to protect the filter tubes from abnormal boil er operation. This paper reviews the latest operating experiences of t he ACTF at Wakamatsu and design improvements required to realize the A CTF system for the commercial PFBC plants.