Boiler Blog Archive | Nationwide Boiler Inc.

The winter season is here and for many users affected by freezing temperatures it is critical that the boiler unit is properly protected. Nationwide Boiler recommends the following in order to ensure that your unit continues to operate while facing freezing conditions.

1. Enclose both the front and rear of the boiler area and use an external heat source to minimize freezing conditions.


2. Install heat tracing with insulation to protect exposed stagnant water lines.


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. When an extended boiler down time is expected, completely drain the boiler and stagnant water lines.

The above are recommendations, however, use sound engineering judgment calls when there are concerns of possible freeze damage to the equipment. Call us if you have any further questions at 1-800-227-1966.

 

Our latest case study, highlighting a major food processor is another example of how Nationwide Boiler can help achieve the best performance standards (BPS) for your boilers. We presented a E²Stak solution with a CataStak SCR system and an EconoStak economizer to a food processor in CA to achieve 5 ppm NOx and decease the plant's energy use, which resulted in the customer receiving a rebate check of almost $150,000. Not only did the we help the boilers achieve optimum performance, we also improved the operation and maintenance of the boiler. The plant manager's quote says it all: "This was the first year we could operate the boiler in automatic!"

If you are interested in decreasing your operating costs by saving energy and if you need to comply with tough emission standards, give Nationwide Boiler a call today at 800-227-1966. Our experience and expertise will provide you with additional options you may never have thought possible.

Cleaver-Brooks hosts a number of informative and educational webinars throughout the year.

Be sure to check out the next webinar, scheduled for September 26, 2018 at 2:00pm EST. The material will be focused on educating boiler operators and owners why preventative maintenance is so important. What routine boiler maintenance tasks are required? What is the recommended frequency of each task? All of these questions, and more, will be covered.

Cleaver-Brooks' Warranty & Service Manager John Pemerton will host the webinar - and you won't want to miss it!

Register today!

Winter is officially here! When cold weather settles in, it is important to make sure that your boiler is well-maintained. Like any other mechanical system, boilers will tend to wear down over time. Boilers can be dangerous if not properly inspected and not working properly. Full boiler efficiency will help avoid boiler downtime and unnecessary expenses. Here are 14 steps to follow to help you get on track with your winter maintenance:

1. Inspect the fuel source.

The fuel used needs to have the proper viscosity for atomization. Test and gauge the fuel viscosity to ensure full efficiency. 

2. Inspect the fireside.

Inspect the fireside and look for any indication of corrosion.  If no corrosion is found, continue to clean the fireside and the furnace area as necessary. 

3. Check the refractory.

Due to the cooler weather, be aware of thermal expansion. Boiler refractors are designed to expand and contract with temperature changes. But all boilers will incur some cracking due to those constant changes. If excessive cracks are found, repair as needed.

4. Inspect the waterside.

Inspect the waterside of the boiler for scale and remove as necessary. Scale prevents heat transfer inside the boiler and can significantly lower efficiency. All water-level controls need to be properly inspected, opened, and cleaned.