The procedure to be followed in the operation and maintenance of a boiler plant depends to a large extent on its size, type of combustion equipment, operating pressures, steam requirements, and other factors pertinent to the specific plant. There are, however, standard practices that any operator should follow to ensure safe, continuous service and efficient operation. This chapter is intended to assist the operator in the correct use of the equipment, to recognize unsatisfactory conditions, and to take the necessary corrective measures before dangerous, costly emergencies develop.

Fluidized bed boilers have become popular in the burning of waste fuels and of those fuels which are difficult to burn by other combustion methods. As a result, the operating characteristics of fluidized bed boilers are discussed in this chapter. Although detail designs do vary between suppliers, the general features for operation apply to all designs.

Combined cycle and cogeneration plants have become the primary power plant additions in recent years. Even though these facilities burn natural gas, as compared with more complex solid-fuel-fired power plants, the heat-recovery steam generators (HRSGs) require special maintenance attention to ensure high reliability and long life. These general requirements are discussed in this chapter.

All operators should be trained properly and should follow the operating procedures of the equipment manufacturers. These procedures are developed using the experience gained by the manufacturer from many operating plants, and they should be modified as required based on the operating experience and specific operating philosophy of the plant.