A REPORT ON

“BOILER DRAUGHT”
UNDER
PROFESSIONAL PRACTIES- IV

H.R.H THE PRINCE OF WALES INSTITUTE OF ENGG. &

TECHNOLOGY
JORHAT, ASSAM

GUIDED BY- SUBMITTED BY-

Md. Tayab Ali Paranjyoti Bora (POW/22/ME/033)
Surajit Mudoi (POW/22/ME/035)

SESSION 2022-25

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

 CONTENT

1. DEFINITION

2. FUNCTIONS OF DRAUGHT

3. CLASSIFICATION OF DRAUGHT

4. NATURAL DRAUGHT

5. APPLICATION OF NATURAL DRAUGHT

6. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF NATURAL DRAUGHT

7. ARTIFICIAL DRAUGHT:

8. APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL DRAUGHT

9. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL DRAUGHT

10. COMPARISON OF FORCED AND INDUCED DRAUGHTS

11. CONCLUSION
DEFINITION
The small pressure difference which causes the flow of air to take place from outside
atmosphere into the boiler furnace for complete combustion of fuel is known as draught.

FUNCTIONS OF DRAUGHT
 It causes continuous supply of air to the grate.
 It also removes the gaseous products of combustion through the flue paths in the boiler
& ultimately through the chimney.

CLASSIFICATION OF DRAUGHT

The method of producing draught may be classified as follows:

1. Natural (or Chimney) draught
2. Artificial draught
Artificial draughts are again classified as:
A. Mechanical draught

i. Forced fan draught

ii. Induced fan draught
iii. Balanced draught

B. Steam jet draught

i. Induced draught
ii. Forced draught

Natural (or Chimney) draught

The draught produced by chimney is called Natural draught. The draught produced by
chimney is due to the density difference between the column of hot gases inside the chimney &
the cold air outside. Natural draught is also known as Chimney draught.

APPLICATION OF NATURAL DRAUGHT

1. Chimneys and stacks in boilers:

o Application: Natural draught is commonly used in boilers, furnaces, and kilns,
particularly in older or simpler systems.
 o How it works: As hot gases rise in a chimney or stack due to natural buoyancy,
cooler air is drawn in through the system to replace it, ensuring efficient
combustion and venting of exhaust gases without mechanical assistance.
2. Cooling towers:
o Application: In large-scale cooling towers, natural draught is used to expel heat
from water used in industrial cooling systems.
o How it works: The hot water released into the cooling tower evaporates and rises
due to the heat, and as it rises, it creates a natural flow of air, enhancing the
cooling process.
3. Industrial furnaces:
o Application: Some industrial furnaces, such as those used in metallurgy or
cement production, use natural draught to create the required airflow for
combustion.
o How it works: The hot air and gases created by the furnace naturally rise,
drawing in air from the surroundings to support the combustion process.
4. Ventilation in buildings:
o Application: Natural draught is sometimes used in building ventilation systems,
particularly in older buildings or passive design strategies.
o How it works: Differences in temperature (such as warmer indoor air rising) and
pressure between indoor and outdoor environments create airflow, which helps
ventilate indoor spaces without the need for mechanical fans.
5. Greenhouses:
o Application: In greenhouses, natural draught is used for ventilation and
temperature control, promoting airflow to prevent overheating and to maintain
humidity levels.
o How it works: Warm air inside the greenhouse rises, creating an upward draft
that draws cooler air in through the lower vents, maintaining a balance between
temperature and humidity.
6. Waste heat recovery systems:
o Application: Natural draught is used in some waste heat recovery systems to help
vent hot gases and prevent overheating in processes that use thermal energy.
 o How it works: Hot gases rise naturally through a stack, and the system helps
recover some of the heat for reuse in other processes.
7. Fireplaces and wood stoves:
o Application: Traditional fireplaces and wood stoves use natural draught to pull
air into the combustion chamber and expel smoke through the chimney.
o How it works: As the fire heats the air, it creates an upward flow of gases,
drawing in oxygen and allowing for efficient combustion.
8. Biomass boilers:
o Application: Some biomass boilers use natural draught to assist in combustion
and to vent gases after the burning process.
o How it works: The natural temperature difference between the hot gases and the
cooler outside air creates airflow through the system.
9. Open-pit ventilation in mines:
o Application: In mining operations, particularly underground mining, natural
draught may assist with the ventilation of shafts and tunnels.
o How it works: The natural movement of air caused by temperature differences
between the mine’s surface and the underground areas can provide the necessary
airflow for ventilation.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF NATURAL DRAUGHT

Advantages:

1. No power is required to produce draught.

2. The life of chimney is quite long.
3. The chimney does not require much maintenance.
Disadvantages:

1. There is very low efficiency.

2. It requires at all chimney (30.48m minimum).
3. Efficiency is dependent on atmospheric temperature.
4. There is no flexibility on draught.
ARTIFICIAL DRAUGHT:

The draught produced by any means other than chimney is called which is independent of
atmospheric conditions is called artificial draught. Artificial draught is produced either by fan or
by the jet of steam. The draught produced by fan or blower is called fan draught or mechanical
draught and the draught produced by a jet of steam is called steam jet draught. Steam jet draught
is used for small installations such as locomotives where as mechanical draught is invariably
used in central power station.

APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL DRAUGHT

1. Industrial furnaces (Cement, Metallurgical, and Glass Furnaces):

o Application: Artificial draught is used to control airflow within high-temperature
furnaces, ensuring proper combustion and optimal heat distribution.
o How it works: Mechanical fans or blowers are employed to force air into the
furnace, creating a desired flow of gases to maintain the proper temperature and
oxygen levels for combustion.
o Purpose: To improve combustion efficiency and optimize the thermal
environment for industrial processes.

2. Ventilation in buildings and underground structures:

o Application: Artificial draught systems are used in buildings, tunnels, mines, and
underground facilities to provide adequate ventilation.
o How it works: Mechanical fans or blowers are used to force fresh air into the
structure and remove stale or harmful air.
o Purpose: To maintain a safe and comfortable environment by controlling air
quality, temperature, and humidity levels.

3. HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning):

o Application: Artificial draught is used in HVAC systems to regulate air
circulation within buildings, factories, and offices.
o How it works: Fans or blowers circulate air through the system to maintain
indoor air quality and temperature.
 o Purpose: To ensure efficient climate control, comfort, and energy efficiency
within enclosed spaces.

4. Gas turbine and internal combustion engines:

o Application: Artificial draught is used in gas turbines and internal combustion
engines to regulate the intake of air and exhaust gases.
o How it works: Forced draught systems help direct air into the engine to support
combustion and remove exhaust gases efficiently.
o Purpose: To maintain optimal combustion and engine performance.

5. Dust collection systems in industries:

o Application: Artificial draught is utilized in dust collection and filtration systems
in industries like cement, mining, and manufacturing.
o How it works: Air is drawn through filters, cyclones, or other collection devices
using mechanical fans to remove dust, particulate matter, and pollutants from the
air.
o Purpose: To improve air quality, protect equipment, and meet environmental
regulations.

6. Smoke extraction systems:

o Application: In buildings and industrial setups, artificial draught is used in smoke
extraction systems to remove smoke during a fire or to prevent the buildup of
smoke and toxic gases.
o How it works: Smoke control fans or blowers are activated to create a pressure
difference, drawing smoke away from occupied areas.
o Purpose: To ensure the safety of occupants by improving fire ventilation and
facilitating the evacuation process.

7. Incineration plants:
o Application: Artificial draught is used in incinerators and waste treatment plants
to ensure efficient combustion of waste materials.
 o How it works: Fans or blowers are used to regulate airflow, ensuring the waste
burns completely and efficiently.
o Purpose: To facilitate the complete combustion of waste and to ensure proper
waste management.

8. Agricultural and food processing industries:

o Application: Artificial draught is used in drying processes in the agricultural and
food processing industries, such as drying grains, fruits, or vegetables.
o How it works: Fans or blowers are used to force air through drying chambers,
enhancing the evaporation of moisture from food products.
o Purpose: To speed up the drying process, preserve food, and maintain quality.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL DRAUGHT

ADVANTAGES

1. Controlled Airflow: Provides precise control over the airflow, which is essential for
maintaining efficiency and safety in many industrial applications.
2. Flexibility: Can be adjusted to accommodate changes in system demand, temperature, or
pressure.
3. Improved Efficiency: By regulating airflow, artificial draught helps optimize
combustion, cooling, and ventilation processes, leading to energy savings and better
performance.
4. Adaptability: Suitable for a wide range of applications in diverse industries, from power
plants to agriculture.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Energy Consumption: The use of fans and blowers consumes electrical energy, which
can increase operational costs.
2. Maintenance: Mechanical components (fans, motors) require regular maintenance to
ensure efficient operation and prevent failures.
 3. Noise: Fans and blowers can generate noise, which may be a concern in noise-sensitive
environments.
4. Vibration: Mechanical systems may introduce vibrations that could affect the structural
integrity of the equipment or nearby structures.

MECHANICAL OR FAN DRAUGHT:

Fan draught may be divided into:

i. Forced fan draught

ii. Induced fan draught
iii. Balanced draught

i. Forced Fan Draught

Here, the draught is produced by a fan or a blower which is installed near or at the base of the
boiler (below the grate). The fan forces the air to flow through the fuel in the furnace through the
grate passage surrounding.

Fig. Forced Fan Draught

 ii. Induced Fan Draught:

In this system, a fan or blower is located at or near the base of the chimney. It draws the air
through furnace & forces the hot gases to move through the chimney.
 Fig. Induced Fan Draught
iii. Balanced Draught:
It is a combination of the forced and induced draught systems. The forced draught overcomes
the resistance of the fuel bed and therefore sufficient air is supplied to the fuel bed for proper and
complete combustion. The induced draught fan removes the gases from the furnace, maintaining
the pressure in the furnace just below the atmospheric pressure.

Fig. Balanced Draught

Advantages of Mechanical Draught:

1. Controlled airflow: Mechanical draught systems allow for precise control of airflow,
ensuring that the system operates efficiently at all times.
2. Flexibility: It can be used in a wide range of environments and applications, from
cooling towers to industrial furnaces and HVAC systems.
3. Consistent operation: Unlike natural draught, which can be influenced by weather
conditions (e.g., wind, temperature), mechanical draught ensures consistent performance
regardless of environmental factors.
4. Increased efficiency: The use of fans or blowers can improve the heat exchange rate in
systems like cooling towers, leading to better efficiency and performance.
5. Compact design: Mechanical draught systems can be designed in a more compact
manner than natural draught systems, making them suitable for space-constrained
environments.
6. Improved control over temperature: It helps maintain a more stable temperature in
systems like cooling towers and industrial furnaces, leading to more effective thermal
management.
Disadvantages of Mechanical Draught:

1. Energy consumption: The need to run mechanical devices (fans, blowers, etc.)
consumes electrical energy, which can lead to increased operational costs.
2. Higher initial cost: The installation of mechanical draught systems often involves higher
upfront costs for equipment, infrastructure, and maintenance.
3. Maintenance requirements: Mechanical draught systems have moving parts that require
regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly, which can lead to
additional operational costs and downtime.
4. Noise: Fans and blowers used in mechanical draught systems can generate significant
noise, which may be a concern in noise-sensitive environments.
5. Vibration issues: Mechanical draught devices can cause vibrations, which, if not
properly managed, can lead to wear and tear on the system or affect nearby equipment.
6. Potential for system failures: Mechanical draught systems rely on electrical power and
moving parts, meaning they are vulnerable to failures, which can disrupt the process or
system operation.

STEAM JET DRAUGHT:

This is used in a boiler where the height of the chimney is short & where there is no room
for providing a fan for e.g. in a locomotive boiler. Steam jet draught is a simple & easy method
of producing artificial draught. It may be forced or induced depending upon where the steam jet
to produce draught is located.
Steam Jet Draught is again sub-classified as:

i. In Induced Steam jet draught,

the steam jet is directed into the
smoke box near the stack & the air
is induced through the flues, the
grate and ash pit to the smoke box.
ii. In Forced Steam jet draught, the
jet is located before the grate & air
 is forced through the fuel bed, furnace and flues to the chimney.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STEAM JET DRAUGHT

Advantages:

1. No moving parts: One of the biggest advantages of steam jet draught systems is that they
have no moving parts. This reduces mechanical wear and tear, as well as maintenance
needs.
2. Low maintenance: Since there are no fans, blowers, or pumps involved, the maintenance
requirements are minimal. This leads to lower operating costs compared to mechanical
draught systems.
3. Compact design: Steam jet draught systems can be more compact and less space-
consuming, as they do not require large mechanical devices.
4. Reliability: Steam jet draught systems are often more reliable because they do not
depend on mechanical components that are subject to failure (like motors or fans). The
use of steam makes the system less prone to breakdowns.
5. Adaptability: These systems are versatile and can be used in various settings, including
power plants, boilers, and other industrial processes, where a controlled airflow is
required.
6. Low power consumption: Unlike mechanical draught systems that rely on electrical
energy to run fans or blowers, steam jet draught systems use steam, which is often
already available in systems like boilers. This can reduce the overall energy demand.

Disadvantages:

1. Steam loss: Using steam to create draught results in the loss of some of the steam's
energy, which could otherwise be used for heating or other processes. This reduces the
overall energy efficiency of the system.
2. Requires steam supply: Steam jet draught systems need a constant supply of steam,
which can be a limitation if steam generation is inconsistent or costly. In some systems,
this could add to operational complexity.
 3. Initial setup costs: The installation of steam jet draught systems, including the steam
ejectors and related piping, can be costly initially, although operating costs might be
lower than mechanical draught.
4. Limited control: Compared to mechanical draught systems, steam jet draught systems
may provide less precise control over airflow. Adjustments to air intake can be more
challenging to implement dynamically.
5. Noise and vibration: While there are no mechanical moving parts, steam ejectors can
create noise and vibrations, particularly in high-pressure steam systems, which could be a
concern in noise-sensitive environments.
6. Steam consumption: Although steam is readily available in many industrial processes,
excessive use of steam for draught can lead to inefficient resource utilization, especially
if there are not enough spare steam resources.

COMPARISON OF FORCED AND INDUCED DRAUGHTS

Sl. No. Parameters Forced Draught Induced Draught

1 Power required Less More
2 Size of the fan Small About three times larger
3 Chances of air leakage in furnace No chance Continuous leakage
4 Rate of burning Better Poor
5 Erosion of fan blades Slow Fast
6 Cooling of bearings Not required Required

CONCLUSION

Boiler draught plays a critical role in the operation of industrial boilers by ensuring the
proper flow of air for combustion and the effective removal of flue gases. Whether it's natural
draught, artificial draught, or a combination of both, the draught system is essential for achieving
efficient combustion, maintaining the desired temperature, and minimizing emissions. Overall,
selecting the appropriate draught system depends on factors like the size of the boiler, the
specific requirements of the process, fuel types, and the desired efficiency levels. Proper design,
maintenance, and control of the draught system are essential for minimizing energy
consumption, optimizing combustion, and ensuring safety and environmental compliance in
boiler operations.