A new lining for Drax main chimney

The unique chimney design for Drax power station resulted in problems with conventional linings. Low exit flue gas temperatures made it necessary for the chimney flues to be protected from deposited acid attack. A cheap plastic material was initially used to protect the flues, but it failed during precommissioning tests. An alternative protection had to be found in the short period before the chimney became operational. N.E. Region Scientific Services Department together with a manufacturer have developed a new fluoroelastomer plastic lining. The new lining has been installed in two of the flues in the Drax chimney and its performance is being monitored. Life expectancy predictions have been made, based on theoretical treatments of experimental data.