FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Need an answer? We’ve got a few below.
energy management
system performance
How do I know if my steam traps are working properly?
It can be difficult to tell if your steam trap is working properly simply by looking at the trap. Traditionally, a listening device would be used to test the steam traps. However the best way is to employ a professional who can carry out an ultrasonic steam trap test which includes a regular steam trap management program.
Why have I got a lot of steam coming out of my water tank?
If you’ve noticed an excess amount of steam from your tank, it could be that your steam traps are leaking, and the returning condensate pressure is very high as a result. We’d recommend a steam system assessment to recognise the issue and evaluate how your system could be improved.
Do I need steam traps?
If you use steam in your processes, then absolutely. You can find more information on how steam traps work, and what steam trap testing includes, by visiting here.
How could a steam trap testing program help my steam system’s preventive maintenance?
Steam traps will be regularly tested by a skilled and qualified technician. Maintenance issues can be identified and discussed to ensure your system doesn’t break down. A steam trap testing program will help you identify any problems, and address them in a timely and planned manner.
Is my boiler operationally up to a recommended standard?
Good question. You can check your boiler’s operating parameters alongside the specifications given by the manufacturer. The most effective way to determine if your boiler is up to standard is to discuss your concerns with your boiler service provider, and contact a qualified technician to assess the system.
What are the causes, consequences and remedies of water hammer in the steam system?
Water hammer is where improper steam system design leads to abrupt fluctuations in pressure. When condensate is not properly drained, water hammer can cause erosion of the steam pipe system – ultimately leading to a costly failure.
By reviewing and assessing your steam system you can avoid potential water hammer issues, and the concern of system downtime.
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Do I need steam for my process?
Consider what you are producing, how you are producing it and what equipment you have on site. Steam is still the best option for conveying heat to a process, but a number of considerations can determine its usefulness for you.
How can recovering condensate improve my steam system performance?
Condensate constitutes chemically treated water. Therefore, it does not require further water treatment and can offer a valuable source of heat for the boiler feed tank. Also, recovering condensate in a system minimises the use of steam for pre-heating feed water.
Why do I need to insulate steam or hot water pipes?
Insulating your steam or hot water pipes can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Primarily, you’ll save energy because effective insulation prevents heat loss. But you’ll also improve your steam quality, reduce the water treatment costs of the system and minimise CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. You’ll also reduce the chance of people getting burnt by the hot pipes.
How much would I benefit from a process heat audit or assessment on my steam system?
There are many benefits from an audit or assessment of a steam system. Most importantly, a heat audit or assessment is a tool that allows you to make an informed decision. A skilled technician can help identify steam issues within the system, discuss energy recovery ideas designed to improve your setup, and recommend energy saving initiatives, suitable to your system and needs.
What would I benefit from a boiler tuning program?
Well, one benefit that many people get excited about is effective savings on their fuel bill. Also, boiler tuning can reduce your CO2 emissions, and as with a heat audit, is an effective tool for preventative maintenance. Basically, a healthy boiler is a tuned and energy-efficient boiler.
What are the tools for reducing the operational cost of my process heat system?
A number of tools are available for those who wish to reduce operational costs. Regular boiler tuning to ensure system efficiency, employing waste heat recovery systems to repurpose waste fuel, thorough steam trap testing to avoid leaking, and recovering all condensate where possible.
Would a waste-heat recovery system be feasible on my site?
The best advice here is work with qualified personnel to carry out a feasibility assessment of the project. It can be a costly operation to employ a project without a feasibility study, and the assessment and advice of a trusted professional assessor would be a wise first step.
Boiler & System Maintenance
Does a boiler have to be surveyed annually?
It depends on the type of boiler you have. If it’s a steam boiler, then absolutely. We still recommend having a boiler survey regardless of boiler type, as hot water boilers still benefit from regular surveys and maintenance. Detailed information about the boiler code can be found here.
Can I do a boiler survey myself?
Unless you are a trained and qualified professional, the answer is no. A boiler survey must be carried out by a competent person. A competent person is someone who has the training and qualifications needed, alongside the knowledge and skills enabling that person to perform the task required.
What pressure should my boiler run at?
There are a number of considerations to take into account when determining the appropriate pressure level of your boiler. Firstly, use the boiler manufacturer’s recommendation. Then determine what your end-user steam pressure requirements are, the length and design of the steam supply lines that may cause pressure drops, and finally research what pressure your boiler was designed to run at.
What is the cheapest fuel for my boiler?
There are a few factors to consider here. The first is the design of your boiler, along with the age of the system. Then take into account the location of the system, and your local fuel costs. Then take into account the need for maintenance and operation of the boiler to ensure consistent fuel efficiency. Finally, take note of your asset costs, taking into account their depreciation also.
I have black smoke coming out of my boiler. What do I do?
Firstly, don’t panic. Black smoke is caused by inefficient combustion of fuels, and boilers should be tuned to avoid this. If your system is producing black smoke, contact your boiler service technician so that they can identify and rectify the problem.
Do I need water treatment for my boiler?
The short answer is yes, but the extent of the treatment needed depends on the production application of the boiler and also the location of the site. The range of treatment can be anything from basic water softeners to food-grade or medical-treatment processes.
How do I know what size boiler I need?
When deciding on a boiler or designing a steam system, it’s important to decide how much steam or hot water you will need. Think about how you would like to run your boilers; will you use a lead-lag system in conjunction with secondary boilers? Will you only have one unit? Do you have redundancy systems in place? Then decide what sort of fluctuations there will be in pressure.
There are many options to consider and the best method is to contact a steam system designer who can work with you to help design the most efficient and appropriate system for your needs.
Is my boiler operationally up to a recommended standard?
Steam traps will be regularly tested by a skilled and qualified technician. Maintenance issues can be identified and discussed to ensure your system doesn’t break down. A steam trap testing program will help you identify any problems, and address them in a timely and planned manner.
Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint?
Not only do our electric boilers have zero emissions, but they also require lower capital investment.