Page 128 - Boiler plant and distribution system optimization manual

Chapter 10

Over 100 Ways to Improve Efficiency

This chapter introduces over 100 ways to 10. Fuel flow meter for each boiler
reduce the costs of operating boilers and distri- 11. Track performance of small heating units
bution systems. These options are the result of automatically
tests and investigations at over a thousand com- 12. Recover hot condensate
mercial, institutional, industrial and utility plants
13. Minimize makeup water consumption
around the world.
14. Isolate unused hot steam piping sections.
Although more than 100 efficiency improve-
ment options are listed in this chapter, only a few 15. Reduce venting Steam from the Deareator
will be appropriate at any one plant. In most cas- 16. Boilers converted from Heavy Fuel Oil to
es a understanding of a plant’s operation is neces- Natural Gas
sary to identify the causes of wasted energy and 17. Shut off steam coil ahead of air preheater
to identify the most cost effective remedy. 18. Soot blower operations
This chapter has been written with two goals
19. Shut-down backpressure steam turbine
in mind. First it serves as a guide to assist in iden-
during low steam load periods
tifying energy wasting problems for any size boil-
20. Utilize fuel additives to improve operating
er. Second, it can serve as a valuable educational
conditions and economy
tool, showing the logic of how to approach this
21. Shut off boilers during weekends and sum-
complex problem.
mer months when not needed
22. Consider thermal mass when planning
boiler operations
Section 10-1
23. Check economizer operation
High Efficiency Operations

1. MAINTAIN OPTIMUM
BOILER EFFICIENCY LEVELS
CHECkLIST – 1
High Efficiency Operations

1. Maintain optimum boiler efficiency levels
2. The 2M System: measure and manage.
3. Keep boilers tuned-up.
4. Operate boiler at highest efficiency levels.
5. Lead–Lag boiler configuration
6. Operate boilers at lower steam pressures
7. Avoid low firing rates
8. Maintain low boiler exhaust temperatures
9. Keep accurate statistics Figure 10.1—A civilization built on energy.

113