Fouling of the flue gas cooler in a large-scale coal-fired power plant

The fouling characteristic of the flue gas cooler (FGC) in a large-scale coal-fired power plant was investigated by field sampling. Eleven deposit samples were taken from the FGC in a 660 MW power plant. The elemental compositions, compound compositions and micro-morphologies of the samples were analyzed. The results showed that the fouling characteristic was different at the first stage and the second stage of the FGC. The mechanism of the FGC fouling was discussed. The FGC could help to remove SO3/H2SO4 in the flue gas. Recommendations were given on the application and operation of FGCs.