Like many of the process industries, thermal processing is a critical necessity to the oil-and-gas industry. Applications range from simple line heaters being fed from a single well to safety instrumented systems at a large-scale refinery. Regardless of the application, the thermal process is measured based on how safe, environmentally friendly and efficient it is.

When the 2011 edition of the industrial ovens safety standard NFPA 86 was released, for the first time, safety programmable logic controllers (PLCs) were recognized as logic devices suitable for the safe operation of industrial heating equipment. The safety PLC could now perform the control logic, but it still could not directly control the combustion safeguard systems.

Nationwide Boiler Inc., Fremont, Calif., acquired Pacific Combustion Engineering/Ponder Burner Co., a manufacturer of burner management and combustion control systems as well as custom control panels. Based in Washougal, Wash., PCE/PBE will continue to operate under its current name as a division of Nationwide Boiler Inc.

When it comes time to replace an industrial boiler, or the need for additional capacity arises, boiler owners have options: They can buy new, or they can buy used. 

With fired heaters, users hope to get greater efficiency and reduced emissions but often are disappointed.

Zirconia Miniature has a response time of as little as 4 sec and covers an oxygen range from 0.1 to 100 percent.

Flame-safeguard controls and burner management systems are designed for industrial and commercial applications. 

Smart line of advanced, digital flow control products includes the company’s SmartFire, SmartLink CV, MRV, DS and SmartMeter.

Combustion control system can deliver fuel savings of up to 3 percent and electrical savings up to 30 percent, according to the manufacturer.

Combustion control system can deliver fuel savings of up to 3 percent and electrical savings up to 30 percent, according to the manufacturer.