Page 142 - Boiler plant and distribution system optimization manual

Over 100 Ways to Improve Efficiency 127

5. CHARACTERIzABLE FUEL VALVE

Cost
Low

Potential Savings
2% to 12%

Description
Characterizable fuel valves (Figure 10.23 and
10.24) have a series of adjustments that are used
to match the air/fuel ratios across the load range.
Without this type of valve, a precise tuneup is al-
most impossible. It also serves as a valuable tool
Figure 10.23—Characterizable fuel flow control valve
to correct mechanical problems that can develop
in the burner and control systems. One valve is
needed for each fuel. The reason a characteriz-
able fuel valve can be so useful becomes appar-
ent when the fuel delivery curve and air delivery
curves are compared (Figure 10.25). Often they do
not match and many control systems have no way
to adjust one to the other in a precise way without
sacrificing excess air and lost energy.

Advantages/Disadvantages
This is a low cost option and one of the best
investments you can make for boiler optimization
and troubleshooting. There should be a character-
izable fuel valve for each fuel fired if the control
system has no other means to balance fuel flow Figure 10.24—Characterizable Fuel Oil valves in-
with air flow. stalled for dual fuel operations

Figure 10.25—Different delivery
rates from air and fuel systems
make characterizable valves a ne-
cessity.