Page 174 - Boiler plant and distribution system optimization manual

Over 100 Ways to Improve Efficiency 159

produces inherently lower smoke numbers on
light off. This should be considered for low use
boilers.

Advantages/Disadvantages
The obvious disadvantage is high first cost
if retrofit is required. The use of light refractory
improves combustion performance on initial light
off and soaks up less heat on/off cycles.

Section 10-7

Steam System Improvements

CHECkLIST 7
Steam Systems Improvements

1. Target steam system losses
Figure10.54—Direct fire hot water heater is very ef-
ficient because it reduces stack moisture losses im- 2. Insulate hot bare-metal surfaces
proving efficiency about 15% into the high 90% 3. Steam trap maintenance
range. The Manufacturer claims approvals from EPA 4. Repair existing insulation.
and other government monitoring agencies indicat- 5. Optimize condensate recovery
ing that the hot water produced is safe for
humans and food processing.

21. USE SOFT FIREBRICK
IN COMBUSTION CHAMBERS

Cost
Moderate (usually a design choice)

Potential Savings
Moderate

Description
If there is a choice in combustion
chamber materials for original pur-
chase, for redesign or for repairs, light
weight fire brick or ceramic fiber mate-
rial should be considered. This material
heats up faster taking the combustion
Figure 10.55—The effect the choice of combustion chamber mate-
zone through its cold smoky period
rials has on smoke and soot production on startups.
more quickly (Figure 10.55). Its use