The optimum cycle time to schedule sootblowing of a boiler (10) is predicted using on line process measurements. The optimum cycle times dynamically adjust to changing conditions resulting from boiler operation, fuel changes, or seasonal changes. The optimum cycle time is calculated four times per second for each heat trap (12, 13, 14, 16, 18) of the boiler (10). The optimum conditions are based on economic criteria which account for heat trap fouling, rate of fouling of other heat traps within the boiler, and on line boiler incremental steam cost.
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