The MAC system is characterized by the following benefits for the overall boiler performance:

High dependability and safety

The MAC system has a proven, much higher dependability than other bottom ash handling systems, which can result in an increased boiler availability:

In the entire operating experience of all installed MAC systems, not a single instance of Magaldi Superbelt failure leading to a forced boiler outage has occurred

The MAC system is able to withstand to the impact of the biggest ash clinkers that can fall from the boiler, and there is no risk of sudden failure

The MAC system is absolutely safe, because all moving parts are inside the casing and no manual intervention is required during operation. The casing itself is sealed and maintains a low temperature

No water-related problems

By not using any water for the ash processing, a series of operational and environmental problems are eliminated by the MAC system:

no fresh water consumption and no waste water production

no need for dewatering bins, ponds or waste water treatment

no pumps, no heat exchangers, no pH-control

no corrosion, no risk of ice formation

no safety problems due to hot water splashing or vapor explosions

no problems with environmental regulation regarding water pollution

Low operation & maintenance requirements

Wear of the Magaldi Superbelt is negligible, because there is no relative motion between the belt and the ash.

The MAC extractor design ensures that any ash clinker that can pass through the boiler throat, is transferred to the crusher

Maintenance demand is extremely low, and all regular activities can be carried out with the system in operation

Thanks to its special control system, the MAC system can be operated fully automatically

Power consumption is very low, because no water has to be moved, only dry ash

Heat recovery from the ash to the boiler

In solid-fuel fired boilers, a significant amount of energy is contained in the bottom ash. In a wet bottom ash system, this energy is completely lost because the ash is quenched. In the MAC system, on the other hand, the cooling air takes up the heat from the ash and provides oxygen for postcombustion:

A burn-out of more than 75% of unburned carbon is generally achieved in the MAC system

In total, up to 90% of all heat contained in the bottom ash is recovered by the cooling air before it flows up into the boiler

This heat recovery reduces the heat and fuel losses from the boiler, which can contribute to an increased boiler efficiency

In the same time, it has been proven that the amount of cooling air used in the MAC system (typically less than 1% of total boiler combustion air) does not have any adverse effect on the boiler operation

Delivery of dry ash

The bottom ash is delivered dry, which offers the following benefits

The configuration of the downstream processing equipment can be greatly customized

Dry ash has much better sales opportunities than wet ash

After pulverization, dry bottom ash can be mixed with fly ash, leading to increased ash sales revenues and simplified ash management