When should a soot blower be retracted during operation?

A soot blower is a device used to remove soot build-up from the surfaces of a boiler or furnace to maintain efficiency and performance. Retracting the soot blower after one complete blow cycle is important because this ensures that the optimal amount of soot is removed without damaging the equipment or dislodging debris into undesirable areas.

When the soot blower completes a cycle, it expels pressurized air or steam to dislodge soot from the surface. If it remains extended after this action, the likelihood of displacing soot into the firebox or allowing a large amount of debris to accumulate increases, which could lead to inefficient combustion, potential overheating, or even damage to the equipment.

It is also important for operational safety to retract the soot blower promptly. Keeping it in an extended position for too long could lead to safety risks, as additional operations—like re-lighting the furnace—could be hampered. Therefore, retracting it immediately after a complete blow cycle ensures a safe and efficient operation.

The other options, while addressing maintenance concerns, do not represent the right timing for retracting the soot blower. For example, retracting it once the furnace has cooled or before cleaning the firebox does not correspond with operational efficiency principles during active soot removal.