Improve Boiler Efficiency: 3 Ways to Keep Your System Running Smoothly
Most facility owners are always looking for ways to improve their bottom line. Industrial boilers are a key part of such businesses, so boiler efficiency is always a hot topic. By properly operating and maintaining your boiler, you can achieve optimal boiler efficiency.
Here are three ways to improve boiler efficiency and keep your system running smoothly.
Keep the Boiler Clean
A boiler that's covered in soot and scale will not operate efficiently. Routinely cleaning your boiler will remove these deposits and enable it to run more smoothly.
One of the best ways to clean a boiler is with hydroblasting. Hydroblasting uses high-pressure water to remove corrosion, paint, grease, sludge, and scale from boiler tubes. It is a safe and effective way to clean your boiler without damaging it.
If you don't want to hydro-blast your boiler yourself, you can always ask a boiler rental company to do it for you. Oftentimes, these experts also offer subsidiary services to help keep your boiler running smoothly.
Control Excess Air in the Boiler
Excess air is when there is more oxygen in the boiler than what's necessary for combustion. Too much oxygen from hot water can cause corrosion and heat loss. The oxygen will slowly oxidize the boiler's metal structure, which then becomes weaker over time.
This corrosion can lead to premature boiler tube failure. As a result, the boiler will have to work harder to heat up the water, which will use more fuel and lower the boiler's efficiency.
Excess air also causes heat loss through the boiler's stack. The warmer the gases are, the more heat is lost. To prevent this heat loss, you need to control the amount of excess air in the boiler.
One way to do this is by using an oxygen analyzer. This device measures the amount of oxygen in the boiler and helps you make adjustments to keep it at the optimal level.
Another way to control excess air is by using a boiler trim system. This system automatically adjusts the boiler's air damper to maintain the correct amount of oxygen in the boiler.
Monitor the Boiler's Combustion
The boiler's combustion process should be monitored regularly to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency. There are a few things you can look for to make sure the boiler is operating correctly.
First, check the boiler's flame. The flame should be blue with a small yellow tip. If the flame is mostly yellow, that means there is incomplete combustion which translates to poor efficiency.
Second, check the boiler's draft. The boiler needs a certain amount of draft to ensure the combustion process is working correctly. The draft should be checked with a manometer to make sure it is within the boiler manufacturer's specified range.
With these diagnostic tools, you can easily verify whether your boiler is operating at peak efficiency. If not, you can take steps to correct the problem and improve boiler efficiency. For example, if the boiler's flame is mostly yellow, you may need to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio.
If you need help with improving boiler efficiency or want to know more about how to monitor your boiler, you can always ask a boiler rental company for assistance.
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