Boiler Burners
The Burner of the Boiler is the source of heat in boilers which are powered by natural fuel such as gas or oil. It is the place where the fuel is burnt to produce energy.
The burners in Boilers should combust the fuel with very low emissions. They are sometimes provided with an air source such as a fan to ensure proper combustion with little residue.
Duel Fuel burners can burn both oil and gas. Common fuels are Furnace Oil, Light Oil, Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
Boiler Burners can range in capacity from 200 kW to 15000 kW
Modern Burners in Boilers have sophisticated electronic controls which algorithms for precise air-fuel mixtures for optimum efficiency.
Economizer in Boilers
The outlet temperature of the economizer is also below the boiling point of the water.
Shell of the Boiler
The end plates are at the top and the bottom of the shell.
The Shell is designed to withstand high pressure and temperature. It is also designed to resist corrosion.
Membrane Contactors in Boilers
On one side of the membrane, a gas, usually nitrogen, is passed at low pressure. On the other side, the water to be deaerated is passed. Since the membrane is hydrophobic, the water does not pass through it. But the gases which are dissolved pass through the membrane to the other side with low pressure.
The deaeration process can be controlled by varying the pressure of the gas and its concentration. The capacity of the contactor can be increased by adding more membranes. The membrane contactor method can produce water with a dissolved oxygen concentration of less than 1 ppb (parts per billion).
The advantages of using Membrane Contactors are
- Absence of Emulsions
- No Flooding even at high flow rates.
- No density difference between the fluids is required.
- High surface areas
Vacuum Pumps
The gases present in the air such as oxygen and carbon dioxide can dissolve with air and cause corrosion. Using a Vacuum pump can remove these gases and lower the dissolved gas level in the system preventing corrosion.
Once air is removed from a system and a vacuum is created, steam requires a very low pressure to flow across the system.
Since the pressure of the system decreases, the boiling point of water also decreases. This results in a reduction of the fuel consumption. Vacuum pumps can also be used for lifting the condensate to the receiver. This is necessary to prevent water hammering.
Vacuum pumps are specified in the amount of air they can move at a given vacuum. They can produce vacuums of the range of 5, 10 and 15 inches of Hg.
Insulation in Boiler system is a critical piece of equipment. It is factor which has a direct relationship with efficiency and cost. Heat Energy is produced in the boiler. This energy is transferred using steam as a medium throughout the system.Poor or damaged insulation can also result in condensate formation which can cause problems such as hammering.
The Insulation in Boiler systems has three main functions
- To prevent heat leakage from the boiler and the system
- To protect personnel from accidental contact with hot surfaces.
- To ensure a tolerable working temperature in the boiler room and surrounding for the operating personnel
There are many different materials used for Boiler Insulation. Glass Wool is a common material. Other insulation Materials are Styrofoam, fibreglass and polystyrene.
Spray On Ceramic Insulation in Boilers
Ceramic insulation is more expensive than fibreglass insulation. Once sprayed, the material solidifies into a foam type material. One advantage of this method is that it is easy to apply. The downtime required is very less.
It is lightweight and can also be easily applied to irregular surfaces and edges . Ceramic insulation is also a corrosion inhibitor. It can also withstand moisture better.
Special types of ceramic insulation can be sprayed on to the surfaces of hot equipment. This can reduce downtime.