Diad-kit/boiler. On-line performance monitoring and diagnosis

Because steam boilers are large-scale, complex systems, it is often difficult for operators to recognize abnormal situations immediately. A new computer-controlled system, however, allows operators to pinpoint malfunctions more quickly and efficiently. The DiAD-Kit/BOILER (Diagnostic ADvisor's-Kit) system, which is the focus of this article, is currently being tested on site with plant data in Japan. The plant that became the target of this project is a twin-boiler cogeneration plant in Kurosaki, Japan. Even though the DiAD-Kit/BOILER system is still being tested, first impressions from plant personnel indicate that it will be widely accepted and readily installed on line. Furthermore, efforts to adapt the DiAD-Kit/BOILER to other boiler plants are already under way. To that end, two extensions of the current system are being designed.