AFBC and CFBC Boilers – Full Form, Working and Difference in Simple Words
AFBC and CFBC Boilers:
In today’s industries, many people ask about the full forms of AFBC boiler and CFBC boiler. These both are part of a fluidized bed combustion (FBC) system. The reason why companies use them is simple – they save fuel cost, they can burn many types of fuel like coal, rice husk, biomass, and also they produce less pollution. In this blog, we are going to explain: What AFBC and CFBC are, their working and features, advantages and applications, and a difference table so you can understand fast
AFBC and CFBC Boilers Full Forms
- AFBC → Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion
- CFBC → Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion
Both are boilers, but design is little different. AFBC is like a simple version, and CFBC is more advanced.
What is Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC)?
FBC means fuel is burning inside a bed of sand or small particles, and air is blown from bottom. This air makes the bed move like boiling water. Because of this, fuel mixes well, burns fully, and gives more heat.
Benefits of FBC:
- Can use low cost coal, lignite, or waste fuel
- Less pollution compared to old boilers
- Boiler size is smaller than traditional type
- Works with many different fuels
AFBC Boiler (Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion)
AFBC boiler works in normal atmospheric pressure. It has a bubbling bed, where fuel and sand mix and burn together.
AFBC Boiler Features
- Can use coal, rice husk, petcoke, biomass, etc.
- Steam capacity: up to 200 TPH
- Pressure: up to 160 kg/cm²(g)
- Steam temperature: 540 °C approx
- Simple design, easy to operate
Where is the AFBC Boiler Used?
Mostly in cement, textile, food, sugar, fertilizer, chemical, and steel industries where medium steam is needed.
CFBC Boiler (Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion)
CFBC is advanced boiler. Here, fuel and particles move in a circulating loop with high air speed. Because of this, fuel burns better and efficiency becomes high.
CFBC Boiler Features
- Can use very poor quality coal, high ash, high sulphur fuel, even biomass and waste
- Steam capacity: up to 1000 TPH
- Pressure: up to 200 kg/cm²(g)
- Steam temperature: 560 °C approx
- Temperature of burning is lower (800–900 °C), so NOx emission is less
- Can remove 90–95% SO₂ using limestone
Where is the CFBC Boiler Used?
Mostly in big power plants and large industries where very high steam output is required.
AFBC vs CFBC – Easy Comparison Table
| Point | AFBC Boiler | CFBC Boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion | Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion |
| Pressure Type | Normal atmospheric | High velocity circulating loop |
| Fuel Use | Many fuels | More wide range, even poor coal, waste |
| Capacity | Up to 200 TPH | Up to 1000 TPH |
| Efficiency | Good | Very High |
| Pollution Control | Medium | Very Good |
| Best For | Medium industries | Big power plants |
Why These Boilers Are Useful
- Both save fuel cost because they can use cheap and low-grade fuel
- Both are eco-friendly, less smoke and gases
- CFBC is more powerful and can handle big jobs
- AFBC is simple and good for medium industries
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