Patent ID: 7475646

Claim:
A method for decreasing a rate of slag formation in predetermined locations within a boiler system, the boiler system having first, second, third, and fourth burners disposed therein, the method comprising: receiving first, second, third, and fourth signals from first, second, third, and fourth temperature sensors, respectively, disposed substantially at first, second, third, and fourth locations, respectively, in the boiler system between the first, second, third, and fourth burners, respectively, and an exit plane of the boiler system; determining first, second, third, and fourth temperature levels at the first, second, third, and fourth locations, respectively, in the boiler system based on the first, second, third, and fourth signals, respectively; receiving fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth signals from first, second, third, and fourth CO sensors, respectively, disposed substantially at the first, second, third, and fourth locations, respectively, in the boiler system; determining first, second, third, and fourth CO levels at the first, second, third, and fourth locations, respectively, based on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth signals, respectively; receiving ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth signals from first, second, third, and fourth slag detection sensors, respectively, disposed substantially at the first, second, third, and fourth locations, respectively, in the boiler system; determining first, second, third, and fourth slag thickness levels at the first, second, third, and fourth locations, respectively, based on the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth signals, respectively; determining the first and second locations have the first and second slag thickness levels, respectively, greater than a threshold slag thickness level, and the first and second temperature levels, respectively, greater than a threshold temperature level, and the first and second CO levels, respectively, greater than a threshold CO level; determining the first and second burners in the boiler system are contributing to the first and second locations having the first and second slag thickness levels greater than the threshold slag thickness level, and the first and second temperature levels greater than the threshold temperature level, and the first and second CO levels greater than the threshold CO level, utilizing a mass-flow based influence factor map; and increasing an A/F ratio of at least one burner of the first and second burners, to decrease the rate of slag formation at the first and second locations.