Innovative parts extend life, improve performance, and reduce maintenance costs of airheater CORONA, Calif., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Paragon Airheater Technologies, the fastest growing manufacturer of high-performance seals and baskets for rotary, regenerative airheaters, has announced the availability of high performance replacement basketed elements for rotary, regenerative airheaters used in steam-driven power generation applications worldwide. Two innovative technologies, both patented by Paragon, will minimize deposition and corrosion in the heat transfer surfaces (basketed element) of the airheater, thus improving performance, decreasing maintenance costs, and extending the life of the airheater. "These latest advances are part of our commitment to power producers to maximize airheater performance and efficiency through innovation, technology, and quality service," explained John Busic, CEO of Paragon. "We are steadfast in our commitment to supply replacement parts that exceed the industry's most stringent demands for fast delivery, high quality, customized service, engineering, and competitive pricing." The first innovation is Paragon's ACE-8 (Advanced Clean Element). This configuration of heat transfer surfaces in the basket of the airheater maximizes heat transfer and provides a lower pressure drop than other available elements. At the same time, its unobstructed flow pattern greatly reduces plugging from fly ash and ammonium bisulfate (ABS) - a byproduct of the NOx reduction process - that is a common problem in conventional airheaters. The unique flow pattern also enables easy cleaning throughout its entire depth with normal soot blowing. Further enhancing the airheater elements is a second Paragon innovation - its rugged DuraShield(TM) coating. Airheater basketed elements are typically coated with enamel, which commonly cracks and separates from base metal when subjected to impacts, flexing, or thermal shock. Conversely, Paragon's DuraShield(TM) coating is highly resistant to corrosion and fouling by ash and ABS, while withstanding the most demanding and extreme conditions encountered in steam-driven power generation applications. Thoroughly tested over four years, DuraShield(TM) has proven its durability, corrosion resistance, and value. John Guffre states that "Over the past three decades, I've seen many attempts made to tackle the life expectancy problems associated with the basketed elements but until now, there has not been a coating or application process that provides the protection and performance gains available with DuraShield(TM). It's an incredible opportunity for the industry."
