Coal flow distribution controllers for coal pulverizers

1. A method of retrofitting a solid particle classifier comprising installing a plurality of circumferential skirt segments proximate a discharge skirt in a solid particle classifier, wherein the skirt segments are configured and adapted for motion in an upstream and downstream direction independent of one another relative to the discharge skirt to extend upstream as needed to improve solid particle distribution between outlets of the discharge skirt.

2. A method of retrofitting as recited in claim 1 , wherein installing a plurality of circumferential skirt segments includes replacing a portion of the classifier.

3. A method of retrofitting as recited in claim 2 , wherein replacing a portion of the classifier includes replacing a discharge turret of the classifier.

4. A method of retrofitting as recited in claim 1 , wherein installing a plurality of circumferential skirt segments includes installing components in the classifier through one or more openings selected from the group consisting of a door, a slot, and a pipe opening.

5. A method of controlling solid particle flow in each pipe of a solid particle piping system, the method comprising:

adjusting one or more positions of the segments of a solid particle flow distribution controller to change solid particle flow and mass flow distribution among a plurality of downstream pipes, wherein the solid particle flow distribution controller includes an extension skirt configured to be mounted to a discharge skirt at a division between an upstream solid particle conveyance pipe and a plurality of downstream pipes, the extension skirt including a plurality of circumferential segments, each segment movably mounted to the discharge skirt for movement in an upstream and downstream direction with respect to the discharge skirt, wherein the segments of the extension skirt are configured and adapted for motion in the upstream and downstream direction independent of one another to extend upstream of the discharge skirt as needed to improve solid particle distribution among the downstream pipes.

6. A method of controlling solid particle flow as recited in claim 5 , wherein the solid particle piping system is a coal piping system, wherein the downstream pipes are burner pipes operatively associated with a plurality of coal burners.

7. A method of controlling solid particle flow as recited in claim 6 , further comprising moving one or more of the segments to a position to optimize air-to-coal ratios in individual burners.

8. A method of controlling solid particle flow as recited in claim 6 , further comprising moving one or more of the segments to a position shifting fuel distribution to control temperatures in a boiler.

9. A method of controlling solid particle flow as recited in claim 6 , further comprising moving the segments to a position shifting fuel distribution to decrease fuel flow to oxygen-starved regions of a furnace to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.

10. A method of controlling solid particle flow as recited in claim 6 , further comprising adjusting one or more positions of the segments with a coal classifier on line supplying coal to the burner pipes.

11. A method of controlling solid particle flow as recited in claim 6 , further comprising controlling air flow distribution among the burner pipes using external orifices in fluid communication with the burner pipes.

12. A method of controlling solid particle flow as recited in claim 6 , wherein adjusting one or more positions of the segments includes controlling at least one of overall burner air-to-coal ratio for the burners, flyash unburned carbon, and loss on ignition.

13. A method of controlling solid particle flow as recited in claim 5 , further comprising conveying coal particles through the solid particle flow distribution controller using a gas other than air.