Have you been considering steam system improvements in your plant, but do not know where to begin? Do you want to potentially save 10% or more in fuel costs, while reducing emissions?
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Industrial Technologies Program can help answer those questions for you and has developed the Steam System Scoping Tool (SSST) for energy coordinators, facility managers and plant electricians to help evaluate your steam system's performance. The software (available in MS Excel or Visual Basic formats) asks 26 questions about different areas of your steam system including system profiling, steam system operating practices, boiler plant operating practices, and distribution and recovery operation practices. Based on your responses, the software will indicate opportunities for improvements and will suggest a range of ways to save steam energy and boost productivity. It also compares your system against similar facilities in your industry and identifies best practices.
According to the DOE, six DOE Industrial Assessment Centers used the SSST in 2001 to assess steam systems at 18 small and medium-sized facilities. Overall, the software identified 89 system improvements with an average fuel savings of 12.5%. Collectively, the total improvements yielded a total annual savings of $2.8 million.
To learn more about this free software, visit the DOE's website.
Call Nationwide Boiler at 800-277-1966 to let us know how much energy you are able to save. We can also provide you with valuable information about our energy efficient equipment for sale or for rent, including EconoStak economizers, Best Performance Standards (BPS) boilers and CataStak SCR systems for boilers and gas-fired turbines.
Boiler Blog | Nationwide Boiler Inc.
The Nationwide Boiler Steamlines Newsletter is now available to view online. This edition includes information on our new 82,500 pph boilers, a CataStak-GT success story, the signing of our new eastern Canadian representative, Le Groupe Simoneau, emergency contingency planning for the new year, and new briefs. Visit our website to subscribe to our monthly newsletter and stay current with the latest news from Nationwide Boiler.
Freezing conditions pose a huge risk to boiler equipment if it is not properly protected from the harsh elements. In order to ensure that your unit continues to operate while facing freezing conditions, Nationwide Boiler recommends the following:
- Enclose both the front and rear of the boiler area and use an external heat source to minimize freezing conditions.
- Install heat tracing with insulation to protect exposed stagnant water lines.
- Utilize an appropriate heat tracing method (electric or steam tracing) to all of your main lines and piping components. This includes the following lines which should be heat traced regardless if the boiler is in operation or not (in freezing conditions): sensing lines (steam drum to CMR, high steam and steam gauge), auxiliary low-water-cut-off, water column and level control blowdown. Depending on the length of piping runs, the main and continuous blowdown should also be heat traced.
- In addition to heat tracing on stagnant sensing lines, drain the lines and fill them with a 50/50 (water/glycol) solution, making sure to re-connect the line.
- When an extended boiler down time is expected, completely drain the boiler and stagnant water lines
NOTE:
- The above lines are considered stagnant lines and should be heat traced regardless if the boiler is in operation or not (freezing conditions).
- Nationwide has also done the following in addition to heat tracing on the stagnant sensing lines: Drain line, fill with 50/50 (water/glycol) solution, re-connect line.
- Depending on the length of piping runs, the main and continuous blowdown should also be heat traced.
- For extended boiler down time, drain boiler and stagnant water lines completely.
The above are recommendations; however, use sound engineering judgment calls when there are concerns of possible freeze damage to the equipment. Contact Nationwide Boiler if you have any further questions: 1-800-227-1967
Nationwide Boiler Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of Le Groupe Simoneau Inc. as its new Eastern Canadian Representative for the rental and sale of Nationwide's extensive product line. Le Groupe Simoneau specializes in the manufacturing of a complete line of boilers and supplies boiler tubes and accessories in Canada for the industrial, institutional and commercial markets. Their specialized team of experienced field service staff provides the complete assembly and installation of boilers, in addition to boiler repair and refurbishment.
Please read the full press release for additional information.