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Atmospheric Q&A |
Savings Proposal |
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Power Boilers
Four Questions to ask a Heating Expert... |
When analyzing combustion gases,
what indicates increased combustion efficiency?
(better fuel burn) |
| Answer: The fuel is burning better if there is
an increase in the percentage of CO2 (carbon dioxide) produced by the
combustion process. This is the same as a decrease in the percentage of
O2 (oxygen) in the combustion gases. If CO (carbon monoxide) is present,
a reduction in the PPM (parts per million) also indicates a better burn. |
What indicates an increase in
thermal efficiency?
(more available heat is being retained and put to use) |
| Answer: When the "stack loss" is
reduced there is a corresponding increase in the retained available
heat. Stack loss can be measured for general comparison by multiplying
the net stack temperature by the stack gas velocity in feet per minute
under near identical conditions. |
| Example: A boiler is operating in a room with an
ambient temperature of 70oF. An initial stack temperature reading is
made of 403oF and the draft initial draft was 3,650 FPM. After the Eddy
Draft Regulator was installed the stack reading was 371oF and the draft
was 2650 FPM. What is the change in stack loss? The net temperature of
333o times 3,650 FPM equals 1,215,450 degree-FPM loss. The later reading
of 301o time 2650 FPM equals 797,650 degree-FPM loss. The later reading
indicates a 34% reduction in stack loss, while still producing a faster
recovery time! |
| How can "ideal draft" be
verified in boiler equipment? |
| Answer: The draft is set while taking total
stack pressure and pilot tube reading, and setting where the boiler was
set when it was being certified at the lab while it was being rated. |
| If all else remains constant, and
one or more of the above factors is improved, is it certain that there
must be an improvement in the overall efficiency of the heating
equipment, resulting in a lowering of the amount of fuel used per unit
of heat/steam produced/used? |
| Answer: Yes. It is certain that there must be an
improvement in overall efficiency and a lowering of the amount of fuel
to produce and use the same amount of heat/steam. |
