Air Preheater Sealing Retrofit Technology

Root Causes of Hot-End Seal Failure
Seal failure at the hot end of a rotary air preheater primarily stems from high-temperature deformation and wear. The operating temperature at the hot end typically ranges from 300°C to 400°C; at these temperatures, the metal components undergo thermal expansion, resulting in an enlargement of the sealing gaps. Concurrently, dust particles present in the flue gas cause abrasive wear on the sealing surfaces, thereby further compromising sealing efficiency. Consequently, any retrofit or upgrade project must prioritize the selection of high-temperature-resistant materials and the implementation of wear-resistant designs.

To address localized sealing issues at the hot end, a modular retrofit approach can be adopted:

Seal Structure Optimization: Employing flexible sealing technologies capable of accommodating thermal deformation.

Material Upgrades: Utilizing high-temperature alloys or ceramic composite materials.

Gap Adjustment: Incorporating adjustable mechanisms to compensate for material wear.