By far, the most expensive part of any boiler operation is fuel usage. To maximize heat transfer efficiency, it is imperative that the heat transfer surfaces stay clean.

Boiler water treatment is important for both safety and efficiency. As water evaporates into steam, it leaves behind impurities as deposits. Over time, these deposits build, decreasing steam generation rates. Without proper maintenance, this can lead to mechanical failure or even boiler explosions.

Feedwater tanks are heated storage tanks that do not have a specific deaerating section and operate at atmospheric pressure. In addition to being a feedwater reservoir, these tanks also act as condensate receivers, cold-water makeup locations and as a point for chemical injection.

Boilers used for steam and energy production, or operations such as washing, are sometimes taken offline for inspection and maintenance, or kept for backup use. Another common time for boilers to be out of service is during shipment or while in storage at a new plant still under construction.

Process heating accounts for a large portion of the energy demand in industrial plants, and the fuel that is required to run a steam plant represents a costly and necessary reoccurring expense.

No question: water is the lifeblood of boiler operation. Yet, water can be rife with impurities that can result in rust, scale, corrosion and, ultimately, boiler failure. 

On October 19 at 2 p.m. ET, a webinar from Cleaver-Brooks will address boiler water treatment.

A no-cost webinar on November 18 at 2 p.m. will provide a basic explanation of a process steam system from the generation of steam in the boiler to its transport to the various energy users.

U.S. Water Services, Cambridge, Minn., is always looking for new tools to make a facility’s boiler system more efficient. One tool is a boiler inspection, which is a thorough checkup of internal and external boiler components in addition to the mandated inspections.