Given that heavy-duty Diamond Power sootblower nozzles (like the Gemini nozzle) can deliver intense cleaning power, the Progressive Helix Mechanism (PHM) is recommended wherever high-performance nozzles are used. It shifts the nozzle’s starting position with every cleaning cycle, so that it takes hundreds of cycles before the nozzle ever traces the same path twice.
The Diamond Power Progressive Helix Mechanism device is a precision, geared indexing mechanism that shifts the nozzle starting position by a known amount each cycle. This allows for more complete cleaning coverage and significantly reduces tube damage due to erosion.
We recommend installing the PHM device wherever high-performance sootblower nozzles are used, or in any application to improve blower coverage and minimize the potential erosive effects of sootblower cleaning.
Reduces boiler tube erosion; in many cases eliminating the need for tube shields
Prolongs lance tube life
Combats lance tube sagging
Reduces lance inside diameter localized corrosion
Prevents lance outside diameter build-up
Distributes lance roller-wear over full lance surface
The PHM is designed for easy adoption and versatility. Key features include:
Multi-indexing
Field upgrade/retrofit
Precise indexing
Applicable with oscillator cleaning
Designed for both two-roller and four-roller carriages
Bolt-in assembly
The sketches below illustrate the effectiveness of the PHM in providing a precisely-indexed nozzle-cleaning path across the face of a boiler tube bank. Although each lance tube is fitted with two or more nozzles, the path followed by only a single nozzle is shown after 1, 5 and 20 cycles.
The cleaning paths are spread evenly across the cleaning surface with the precise-indexing provided by this geared mechanism.
The lance translates forward without rotation, exactly one gear tooth, each time the sootblower starts a cycle. This even distribution of the indexed-cleaning paths occurs right from the start of, and throughout hundreds of cycles that occur before the nozzle paths repeat themselves exactly.
Note: The cleaning path of the second nozzle (not shown) bisects the helical path of the nozzle shown for each cycle traced on these figures.
Trace path after one complete sootblower cycle; inward and return path represented. (only one of two nozzles with indexing hub shown for clarity)
Trace path of a single nozzle after five (5) complete cycles with PHM
Trace path of a single nozzle after 20 complete cycles with PHM.
We recommend installing the PHM device wherever high-performance sootblower nozzles are used (for example, our Gemini nozzle upgrade is often paired with PHM to maximize its benefits).
By installing the Progressive Helix Mechanism, you can extend the life of your boiler tubes and improve cleaning efficiency with minimal modification to your existing sootblowers.
Contact us today to discuss retrofitting PHM on your units or to learn how this upgrade can help your plant.
Types, upgrades, services, and support
Types, upgrades, services, and support
Hands-free recovery boiler cleaning solutions for safer, more efficient operation
High-quality sootblower parts for Diamond Power and other brands
The Diamond Power® camera and temperature monitoring systems help operators identify burner malfunctions, slag buildup, and flame impingements quickly, enabling timely adjustments to avoid unplanned outages. By knowing the exact furnace gas temperature distribution, operators can optimize combustion air and fuel feed, improve boiler efficiency and lower NOx emissions.
High-pressure steam drum level gauges and electronic indicators for safe, reliable boiler operation
Flexible, intelligent sootblower control system for optimized boiler cleaning performance.
High-quality sootblower parts for Diamond Power and other brands
Turnkey on-site maintenance
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