Signs that indicate replacement for steam boilers
Monday, 17 October 2022
Steam boilers are vital equipment for steam generation in the process and manufacturing industries. Therefore, it is critical to know when it is time to replace an industrial boiler system. However, it is usually observed that facility managers wait for a steam boiler to break down entirely before replacing the unit. However, upgrading the steam boiler process plants can save a significant amount of money annually while also benefiting from increased efficiency and improved steam production when the boiler operates. Rakhoh Boilers being a trusted name as a boiler manufacturer in India has listed down some of the important signs that indicate the replacement of the steam boiler system.
Outdated Boiler System:
First and foremost, it is important to consider the lifespan of the steam boiler. If the boiler is older than 10-15 years, it is ideal to start looking for a replacement. It is true even if the boiler does not display any major faults. As the technology has advanced significantly in recent years, the old models are incapable of comparing with the efficiency levels, safety features, and smart control options of the latest steam boilers.
Frequent Breakdowns:
If there are occurrences of any type of boiler issues every week or topping up of the pressure, it indicates that things are about to change for the worst. The expenditure of the new parts, call-outs, and quick reparations can be spent much better on a replacement boiler that is efficient and reliable.
Boiler System Emits A Noise:
Sometimes, steam boilers are so outdated that the noises emitted from them are considered normal. On the contrary, the banging, gurgling, and kettling noises heard from the steam boiler indicate a boiler issue. If neglected, it can lead to severe damage in the process plant and breakdown over time.
Yellow-Colored Flame:
A steam boiler functioning properly ensures complete combustion with a blue flame. But, if the boiler flame is yellow, it means that there is a risk of carbon monoxide emission, which is a serious issue. It is a hazardous, odorless, and colorless gas that can prove to be fatal if exposure levels are overly high. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning consist of dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
Water Leakages:
If there are any water leakages in the steam boiler system, it can result in significant damage to other steam boiler components. Therefore, it is important to contact an engineer as soon as possible before things escalate and become dangerous.
Replacement Parts Difficult to Find:
If process plants find it difficult to procure the parts of the steam boiler for replacement, it is to be concluded that the system is outdated. It is a quite clear warning sign that the boiler’s days are limited, and replacement of the boiler is the need of the hour.
High Stack Temperature:
If the steam boiler faces unusually high stack temperatures, it is an indication of unsafe conditions and poor heat transfer. It may be caused due to poor water management, poor combustion, or low water level.
Poor Combustion:
Improper or insufficient airflow and fuel flow can lead to significantly noticeable pulsations and surges.
Reduction in Efficiency:
If the steam boiler system takes too long to operate or to generate steam, it showcases the inefficiency of the boiler system. In such situations, it is imperative to contact the boiler manufacturer for their expert guidance in replacing the system.
What is better– Replacement or Retrofitting?
Even if the steam boiler displays no decline in condition or performance, operations managers need to consider whether they should opt for a boiler replacement or retrofit. A boiler retrofit can offer the advantage of increasing the efficiency between 10% and 12%. On the other hand, a complete steam boiler replacement may offer even greater percentages depending on the boiler.
In either case, a retrofit boiler or a complete boiler replacement significantly reduces the future expenses of the process plant. Considering the average boiler consumes up to four times its original value in energy costs per year, it is easy to see how efficiency savings can quickly add up.
Conclusion:
Rakhoh Boilers is one of the trusted boiler manufacturers in Pune since 1983. With 38+ years of experience and expertise in thermal solutions, we deliver highly efficient and reliable industrial steam boilers, waste heat recovery systems, thermic fluid heaters, and boiler accessories to over 20 process industries in 26 countries worldwide. We provide excellent boiler services to boost the efficiency and productivity of the boilers.
Visit www.rakhoh.com for more details on our products and services
- Published in Boiler, Steam Boiler
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Role of Steam Boilers in Textile Industries
Saturday, 15 October 2022
Most manufacturing industries require steam boilers for accomplishing process operations. Steam is integral for various purposes of heating, drying, processing, sterilizing, etc. The textile industry is one such example that requires steam for its major processing stages. Textile is one of the ancient industries that have witnessed various changes and advancements over the centuries in terms of its processing. Several stages convert the raw fabric into a finished garment. Let us have a look at it in detail,
Yarn Manufacturing or Spinning:
The raw material or fiber and man-made fibers like synthetic or nylon are transported for yarn manufacturing. In this textile process stage, raw materials are converted into yarn for knitting, weaving, or crocheting. The raw materials are sorted and cleaned for creating the final yarn or thread.
Fabric Manufacturing or Weaving:
The next stage of fabric manufacturing involves transporting yarn from one machine to another in order to create a length of fabric.
Wet Processing:
The fabric wet processing operation includes dyeing and finishing of the fabric. The dyeing process introduces colors to the fabric, while the finishing process adds chemical properties such as anti-pill, soil release, flame retardant, etc., to enhance the fabric quality. The printing process includes inkjet printing on fabrics.
Garment Processing and Finishing:
The final process in the textile industry includes designing and sewing the final garments. It is followed by spot removal, ironing, and finishing before transporting it to markets.
Role of Steam Boilers in Textile Processing:
Steam boilers are indispensable in textile processing as the major process operations depend on steam or hot water generated from boilers. Textile processing units consider every factor before selecting a steam boiler that meets their demands effectively. Here are the primary stages of the textile process that requires steam or hot water,
Pre-treatment:
The pre-treatment phase is one of the important stages in the textile process that involves the removal of dirt or impurities from the fabric before the dyeing and printing process. The pre-treatment stage requires efficient steam boilers to produce clean and pure steam or hot water.
Dyeing:
The dyeing stage involves adding pigments or dyes to fabric to color them. Although the dyeing process can occur at any stage, it primarily occurs after the yarn manufacturing or fabric manufacturing stage of the textile process. The transfer of dye to the fabric requires a precise amount of moisture and heat provided by steam. Steam boiler enables the heating of water and steam at the determined temperature that is required to dye the fabric in exact color.
Printing:
The printing stage in the textile process is similar to dyeing except that printing includes patterns or designs to the fabric, whereas dyeing includes uniform coloring. Depending on the type of fabric, the printing stage uses several methods. Steam boilers are essential for providing the precise amount of heat and moisture required for the printing process.
Finishing:
The finishing stage of the textile process involves several steps. It includes the removal of wrinkles from fabric. A steam boiler is vital for providing steam for the ironing purposes that provides excellent finishing.
Factors to Consider while Choosing Steam Boiler for Textile Process:
Deciding a steam boiler for the textile process is imperative to ensure optimal efficiency and productivity. Managers in textile processing units consider the following factors before determining their choice of steam boiler,
Seamless with Fluctuating Demand:
The steam requirements in textile process operations are fluctuating and require robust steam boilers that can effectively handle the changing demands. In such situations, steam boilers with a quick start or shut-off are best-suited for processing. Comparatively, water tube boilers perform better than fire tube boilers with the fluctuating load.
Fuel Efficiency:
Due to fluctuating demand for steam, the textile process faces the difficulty of fuel wastage that leads to excess costs. Therefore, the steam boiler must perform effectively and ensure complete combustion to ensure optimal utilization of fuel.
Easy Maintenance:
Steam boilers in the textile process operate throughout the day and hence require regular maintenance for enhanced results. Negligence of boiler maintenance may cause boiler failure, resultantly shutting the textile process operations and leading to significant losses.
Calculating the Capacity and Heating Parameters of Steam Boilers:
The capacity of a steam boiler depends on the heating load that includes heat losses in boiler tubes and pipes. Additionally, the heating parameters like temperature and pressure must be determined.
Conclusion:
With 38+ years of experience and expertise in thermal solutions, Rakhoh Boilers are the leading boiler manufacturer in India and overseas, with more than 3000 boiler installations in over 26 countries globally. Our Combo X model is the preferred steam boiler model in the textile industry. We have delivered our efficient steam boilers in over 360 textile process and dyeing units. Catering to 20 process industries worldwide, we manufacture steam boilers, waste heat recovery boilers, thermic fluid heaters, and boiler accessories. We offer the best boiler services like boiler automation, steam trap assessment, energy audit, annual boiler maintenance, etc to ensure hassle-free operations of steam boilers.
Visit www.rakhoh.com to know more about our products and services.
- Published in Boiler, Steam Boiler
Prevention of Steam Leakage in Boilers
Wednesday, 12 October 2022
Steam Boilers are of utmost importance in the process and manufacturing sector to ensure high-quality production or power generation through steam. Therefore, the steam produced in the boiler must be of superior quality. Various parameters are considered to ensure seamless operations of the steam boiler. Steam leakage is a phenomenon that causes loss and inefficiency in the boiler system. Steam is a high-value commodity and leads to a higher value with higher pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to take action to repair steam leaks as soon as they occur. Steam leaks can immensely affect production, cause safety issues, and increase maintenance costs.
An Overview of Steam Leakage in Boiler:
After a few years of operation, steam boilers tend to leak steam due to outdated gaskets, fittings, and other areas. Without proper maintenance and regular inspection, the number of leaks and the volume of leaked steam only increase tremendously.
The most common locations of finding steam leaks are:
Steam leaks from valves and steam traps are further classified into external leaks, such as those from gland packing, and internal leaks that cause steam escaping through the seat and into the outlet. In addition to higher energy costs, steam leaks waste boiler water and chemicals that can prove hazardous to the operating staff and the boiler system.
One pound of 100 psi steam consists of about 1,200 BTU. Considering the steam is produced at 85% efficiency, the input energy is 1,200 / 85% = 1,411 BTUs per pound. Therefore, 1,000 pounds of steam requires at least 1.4 million BTU for its production.
The amount of steam leaked from a steam trap in a normal operation depends on the type of trap. Similarly, in the case of a steam trap, the steam leaking from even one failed trap can result in a significant financial loss.
Preventing Steam Leaks in Boiler:
Prevention of Steam Leakage Due to Pipe Fittings:
The primary causes of steam leakage from the pipe and screwed connectors are:
Stress from pipes expanding or contracting due to the heat of the steam
Threaded components that have loosened due to that stress, and
Deterioration of gaskets.
The nuts and bolts of the fitting can be loosened as pipes contract due to the reducing steam temperature. It consequently results in causing a gap to open up between the two pipes for releasing the steam.
If the operating personnel detects a steam leak, it requires more than the tightening of the screws on the fitting or replacement of the gaskets. It is essential to examine the cause of the leak and accordingly change the location of fixed pipe supports or add expansion joints. If prompt measures such as these are overlooked, the steam leak may occur again in the future.
Prevention of Steam Leakage Due to Valves:
The majority of external leaks from valves emerge from gland packing. Due to the design of the valve, gland leaks can be avoided temporarily by tightening the valve.
However, when the valve is opened and closed frequently, it may cause leaking again within a short period. A bellows seal valve is preferable in such situations as it is highly resistant to gland leakage due to their bellows that closes off the interior and exterior gland packing.
Interior leakage occurs when steam is released through the valve seat and flows through the outlet as the valve is in the closed position. Interior leakages are not visible from the outside, and therefore, are difficult to spot. Detecting interior leaks requires maintenance tools such as a stethoscope or a device that measures ultrasonic vibrations.
Steam leakages are common from the seat of valves with both adjustable valve openings. It can be prevented by using adjustable and closable valves that eliminate the need for dual-function valves. On the other hand, another effective method of preventing internal leaks is installing a separator that removes the condensate entrained within the steam. The introduction of dry steam prevents the valve seat from deteriorating.
Prevention of Steam Leakage Due to Steam Trap:
Leaks take place when the device stops functioning properly in valves and pipe fittings, but for steam traps, it is also important to consider the loss of steam that occurs during operation.
Steps to Reduce Steam Leaks in Boiler:
Practice a regular maintenance schedule on the steam trap. Track the checks and maintenance to find problems before it becomes challenging.
Conclusion:
Rakhoh Boilers provides efficient industrial steam boilers and the best thermal solutions since their inception in 1983 as boiler manufacturers in Pune. We have successfully installed 3000+ boilers in over 26 countries worldwide for 20 process industries.
For more details on our products and services, visit www.rakhoh.com
- Published in Boiler, Steam Boiler
Role And Types Of Soot Blowers In Steam Boilers
Tuesday, 11 October 2022
Steam Boilers are essential for operational processes in manufacturing industries. If left neglected, boiler issues can hinder the seamless operation. One such boiler issue is soot formation. Soot is a carbon-based material that accumulates as a byproduct of combustion and sticks to the walls and surfaces of the steam boiler system during operation. Soot is a natural insulator that makes it challenging for conducting heat efficiently. As a result, it reduces the steam boiler efficiency by blocking some heat from passing through the system. Additionally, soot can lead to fires and damage the boiler system if not cleaned properly.
What Are Soot Blowers?
A soot blower is boiler equipment for eliminating the soot deposits within the steam boiler to keep it running safely and seamlessly. Different soot blowers are used in the different components of the industrial boiler, each with unique advantages. The two major mediums for removing soot are compressed air and steam, with steam being more preferred as it has a lower cost than the expense required for compressors, motors, and control of air systems. Once the soot is removed, it is passed through the system by flue gas and leads to a dust collector or expelled through the smokestack.
Problems Caused By Soot Formation:
When a steam boiler or furnace is operating for a long period, it causes more deposits on all its heating surfaces. Soot in a furnace or other burning equipment lowers efficiency and may also lead to fire hazards. Firstly, a soot coating in the boiler system acts as an insulator that reduces heat exchange, and thus more energy is required for achieving optimum temperature. Secondly, excessive soot can catch fire, resulting in risk or damage to the equipment, surrounding area, and personnel.
Types of Soot Blowers:
Wall Soot Blowers:
A wall soot blower is one of the basic types of soot blowers. It is a small piece of equipment that is connected to the exterior of the boiler. A short nozzle that enters the steam boiler releases hot steam or compressed air for cleaning the surrounding area. The nozzle retracts while not operating, making the wall blower an ideal choice for areas that face the issue of high temperatures.
There are various pros and cons of wall soot blowers due to their basic design. The primary advantage is that wall blowers are often smaller in size, taking less space in the area around the steam boiler. Consequently, the disadvantage is that the wall soot blower is capable of cleaning only a small section. Most industrial boilers require several wall blowers and may use other types of soot blowers to clean the accumulated soot.
Air Heater Soot Blowers:
Air heater soot blowers are ideal for cleaning the air heaters of the boiler system. As time passes, the moisture starts accumulating at the cold end of the air heater as the flue gas temperature reduces to below the condensation point. The moisture combines with soot and other byproducts and forms a fine-grain deposit.
Air heater soot blowers are installed on the cold end of the air heater and include retractable blowers or blowers with nozzles on swinging arms. The device moves across the air heater, while the swinging arm moves in an arc across the face of the heat transfer surface, cleaning a sufficient area.
Long Retractable Soot Blowers:
A long retractable soot blower extends a long lance or nozzle into the boiler. The long retractable soot blower begins at the start of the steam boiler and gradually moves through it, rotating 360 degrees to eliminate soot from every surface. The primary advantage of the application is that a single device is capable of cleaning a much larger area than a wall blower. Covering a large area reduces the total number of blowers necessary to remove soot in your boiler, simplifying the system. However, a long retractable soot blower needs to store the long lance and usually takes up considerably more space than a wall blower.
Rotary Soot Blowers:
A rotary soot blower is fixed to the steam boiler system and does not retract like other types of blowers. On the contrary, the blowing tube or element of the blower remains in the steam boiler at all times. The tube is usually equipped with several nozzles and rotates to clean a large portion of the boiler system.
As it does not retract, rotary soot blowers are not to be used in the high-temperature areas of the boiler. Rotary soot blowers are best suited for the superheater, economizer, and air heater.
Applications of Soot Blowers:
Soot Blowers Safeguards Furnace Tubes and Shells
A soot blower reduces the possibility of soot fire. Such accidents can lead to the appearance of hotspots in the furnace tubes that can later reach a temperature to weaken the structure of the tubes. The dangers of a weakened furnace structure are extreme.
Soot Blowers Enhances Operational Efficiency
Soot is a heat insulator. Therefore, more soot inside equipment leads to more energy required to get the equipment up to optimal operating temperature. As no processing plant aims to waste energy, it is too expensive.
Fuels used for combustion in steam boilers lead to various by-products coating the heating surfaces. It is accumulated on walls, screens, reheaters, etc., and every component is plastered with soot reducing energy efficiency. A soot blower is crucial for maintaining efficiency.
Conclusion:
Rakhoh Boilers is one of the trusted boiler manufacturers in Pune since 1983. With 39+ years of experience and expertise in thermal solutions, we deliver highly efficient and reliable industrial steam boilers, waste heat recovery systems, thermic fluid heaters, and boiler accessories to over 20 process industries in 27 countries worldwide. We provide excellent boiler services to boost the efficiency and productivity of the boilers.
Visit www.rakhoh.com for more details on our products and services
- Published in Boiler, Steam Boiler
Qualities Of Best Boiler Services Technician and Boiler Manufacturers
Thursday, 06 October 2022
Steam boilers, as we are aware, are an integral part of any process and manufacturing industry. However, after a few years down the road, the boiler systems start deteriorating and require expert attention. In such cases, it is prudent to consult a trusted boiler services technician or boiler manufacturers to decide on the best course of action. However, if there is no previous knowledge of boilers, working with a boiler technician can be a challenge. It can be difficult to determine the level of expertise or thoroughness of the technician. Regardless of how much you are aware or not aware of the boiler and the service it requires, there are certain criteria of every great boiler technician and boiler manufacturer that need to be fulfilled.
As one of the leading boiler manufacturers in India, Rakhoh has listed some of the essential qualities to look out for in boiler services technicians and boiler manufacturers.
Essential Qualities of Boiler Service Technician:
With our teams of factory-trained, highly-skilled technicians, Rakhoh adopts the most advanced technology to maintain, service, update, repair, and replace a vast range of equipment
Fully prepared before starting with the boiler issue:
Preparation is a vital stage in boiler services and helps a proficient boiler technician to work quickly and efficiently so that time is not wasted.
Examine the boiler room to fully understand the issue:
It is important to have a clear picture of everything that could be probably wrong with the boiler, so an experienced technician will assess and take a look around the boiler room to ensure that nothing is being overlooked.
They are willing to share their knowledge after identifying the problem:
The best boiler service technicians are proficient in their field and happy to share their knowledge about the issue with the boiler system. Most importantly, they share their knowledge in an informative way to help the customer understand the cause and solution of the problem clearly.
They remain on-site to assure the services take place properly:
A professional boiler service technician is committed to ensuring that the job is well done, and that means staying on-site until it is assured that the work conducted was successful.
Clear communication:
Regardless of understanding or not understanding exactly how your boiler technician is resolving the issue, communication needs to be open and clear about the happenings with the boiler and how it is being solved.
They leave no stone unturned in resolving the problem quickly and professionally:
An expert boiler service technician starts immediately with their business. Once they have identified and explained the problem, they get to the work of fixing the boiler as quickly as possible without wasting time.
Regular follow-up to be updated about the boiler’s condition:
Professional boiler service technicians reach out to clients after a short period to ensure that the repairs are leading to seamless operations and that the clients are satisfied with the work. At Rakhoh, we consider it the foundation of a great working relationship with our extensive clientele.
Essential Qualities of Boiler Manufacturers:
Rakhoh, as one of the trusted boiler manufacturers, prides itself on its expert knowledge and unparalleled ability to deliver fast, efficient, and effective solutions.
Years in the Business:
Similar to any other service provider, tenure is an important sign to determine the suitability of the boiler manufacturers. In other words, a boiler company that has been a reputed name in the business for an extended period would have been trusted by others for one or several reasons. In most cases, these reasons involve providing highly-effective and reliable solutions, resulting in the creation of a solidly loyal customer base.
Team of Skilled, Trained, and Certified Technicians:
Boilers and boiler equipment are complex and technical devices. While there are various similarities between different boiler types, each manufacturer’s equipment consists of certain nuances and preferences. As a result, it is necessary to select a boiler manufacturer and service provider who is properly trained to administer solutions for the boiler and the equipment.
Contracts for Maintenance:
Even though the boiler system is crucial, it is important to schedule regular maintenance and inspections before it stops working or begins to malfunction. Therefore, it is important to choose a boiler manufacturer and service provider that offer service contracts. It can help to assure that the equipment is properly serviced and maintained according to the intervals suggested by boiler manufacturers.
Networking of the Boiler Maintenance and Service Provider:
A reliable boiler manufacturer and service provider is always a part of the network. Any leading provider works closely with several boilers and auxiliary equipment manufacturers to make sure that they are using the latest and most effective tools and techniques based on factory specifications.
Rakhoh for reliable boiler services:
Since its formation in 1983, Rakhoh Boilers strives to enhance and improve the safety of the boiler operations by manufacturing and installing steam boilers of the highest quality to ensure the safety of the process plants and prevent any fatal accidents or injuries to the staff working and operating the plant. As one of the reputed boiler manufacturers, we have successfully installed 3000+ boilers in over 27 countries worldwide.
Learn more about our products and services by visiting www.rakhoh.com
- Published in Boiler, Boiler Retrofitting