RK3000 High Frequency Power Supply
Operating Manual
Page 51 of 73
CHAPTER 9
OPTIMIZING
THE RK3000 PRECIPITATOR CONTROL
OPERATION
A large number of control parameters have been provided to allow a high degree of
control flexibility. This does, however, produce some confusion when trying to optimize
precipitator efficiency.
The best way to optimize the RK3000, and thus the precipitator efficiency, is to make
control parameter changes while observing the instantaneous readings obtained from the
stack or flue opacity meter. If a strip chart that displays the instantaneous opacity reading
is not in use, it is recommended that one be installed for optimization purposes.
If an opacity meter is not installed on the stack or flue work, it is strongly recommended
that one be installed. Without an opacity meter, it is extremely difficult to judge when the
RK3000 control is fully optimized.
The optimum control settings will produce the smoothest opacity trace, at the lowest
opacity level with the fewest “spikes.” Adjusting the RK3000 cannot appreciably change
spikes produced by re-entrained particulate from the operation of the precipitator rapping
system. Changes to the rapper control operation will have to be made if opacity spiking
occurs.
After the RK3000 has been initially set up, fine-tuning should proceed by reprogramming
the various parameters in the following order:
Phase Back
Ramp Rate
Quench Mode
Pedestal Rate
Process Sense
Using the opacity meter as a guide (use visual stack observation if opacity meter is
unavailable), reprogram each parameter, one at a time, until the lowest steadiest opacity
readings are obtained. Start with Phase Back parameter. Reprogram the percent Phase
Back both lower and higher than the initial settings until the best opacity is obtained, then
go to the next parameter and optimize it. Do not attempt to optimize more than one
parameter at a time.
Allow from a few hours to a few days (depending on how steady your operation is)
between program changes for the precipitator to reach
“steady state” operation. It is
important to have steady boiler or process conditions during this optimization. Swings in
process conditions can mask optimization.
Once the RK3000 is optimized, observe the opacity to ensure it does not slowly start to
increase. If the opacity does slowly increase, readjust the rapper lifts and timing. If the
RK3000 is optimized and precipitator efficiency increases, the rapping system must be re-
optimized to handle the additional collected particulate load.
If there are many controls on the precipitator, optimize all controls by field for the first few
tries. That is, adjust all the controls on the same precipitator field to the same operating
parameter settings. As time allows, each control can be individually optimized.
