4 Ways How You Can Maximise Your Steam Boilers In Your Business

Having powerful machinery that you can utilise in your business operation is one of the strategic moves that a business can make. You won’t only lessen the work that your employees have, but also, efficiently produce quality products.

Steam boilers are one of the vital machinery pieces that almost every industry utilises and relies on. They are not only used to provide warm temperatures during the cold season. Boilers are also utilised in production and important processes to produce the things that we need. 

If you recently purchased a steam boiler and can’t seem to get around to other ways you can use it, here are some ideas to help you understand how you can maximise it for your business. 

 

1. Don’t limit its purpose to one thing

One thing to know about steam boilers is that they can be used for multiple actions. Of course, for some, the main reason for their boiler purchase is for temperature purposes. But, if you are running a business, try to go beyond that and make the most out of your invested money on steam boilers.

Let’s say, for example, you run a hotel or resort. The main reason you purchased a steam boiler is to provide a consistently warm temperature every winter season. If that’s the case, how about for the other months after winter? What will be the purpose of your boiler by then? 

Steam boilers are quite expensive. It would be such a waste to just let it sit around for months before you need it. How about you use it for sanitation purposes too? In hotels, housekeeping sanitation is one of the important protocols that should be adhered to at all times. How about you use the steam boiler for sterilisation of the hotel’s laundry and drying?

In this case, you can confidently ensure your guests that all of the sheets and fabrics used in the hotel are 100% sanitised. You won’t only get to utilise the purposes of your steam boilers, but also provide confidence to your employees that your business values sanitation and cleanliness. 

 

2. Make sure that you are using the right type of boiler to perform a certain action

Even though all steam boilers have the same purpose of producing heat, each boiler type is designed for a certain use. If you’ve encountered issues where your steam boiler’s performance doesn’t meet your desired outcome, it might be because you’re using the wrong type for a certain action. 

Two of the most known boiler types are the fire-tube boiler and the water-tube boiler. To differentiate the two, the fire-tube boiler is known for its compact construction and its simplicity of operation. On the other hand, the water-tube boiler can produce higher operating pressures and higher temperature output. Water-tube boilers are known as a superheated steam generation.

If you’re just about to purchase a steam boiler, consider the differences between each boiler type. If you run a business that will be using boilers for chemical processes, maybe a fire-tube boiler won’t be enough to provide you with the right amount of pressure that you would be needing. In that sense, maybe spending more on a water-tube boiler would be better to produce quality products that would rely on the boiler. 

If you’ve been having problems with the operation of your steam boiler, consult with your boiler company to see if you’re using the right type for a certain purpose. 

 

3. Regularly clean the fireside and waterside of your steam boiler

It’s important to have your steam boilers cleaned regularly. Since steam boilers use water that circulates through their tubes for steam production, mould accumulation happens. If mould accumulates, the water quality circulated in the steam boiler’s tubes will be contaminated. Though this may seem like it’s not a big deal, it certainly does affect the efficiency of your steam boiler.

Set a regular schedule where you clean the waterside of your boiler. Also, make sure to constantly use clean water. Don’t try to reuse water. Doing so may affect the quality of the steam produced. Also, the condition of the boiler might be at risk.

It is also very important to regularly clean the fireside of the steam boiler. As you regularly use your boiler, over time, soot accumulates, too. Soot results from the burning and work process of the boiler. If you’ve noticed that your steam boiler’s heat transfer has decreased, it’s time to check its fireside. 

Expect an inefficient heat transfer if soot is not removed and cleaned from the boiler. Regardless of how much you increase your fuel, heat transfer won’t still be reaching the right degree that you want it to. Always check the condition of your tubes. Remove any soot that accumulates over time to maximise the performance of your steam boiler. 

 

4. Check your pipes regularly for steam failure and steam leaks

Another important factor that might affect the efficiency of your steam boilers is the condition of the pipes. Pipes play a vital role in how you can maximise your boiler performance. This is because the pipeline connects to the steam boiler and delivers the produced steam.

It is common for pipes to have holes as they age. Most especially if the material used tends to accumulate moulds and algae. Over time, you can’t help but have pipe problems due to its longevity, and other matters. Try to notice the steam production of your boiler. If it is not enough, no matter how much you increase and add fuel, maybe the problem now is with the pipeline.

No matter how small the hole or crack in your pipes are, this can cause leaks and affect the amount of steam needed for your business. Instead of increasing your fuel usage and steam pressure, check the condition of your pipelines first. This will avoid unnecessary gas and electricity expenses for the boiler.

If you happen to find a crack or hole in your pipeline, have it checked and repaired right away. This way, your steam boiler production won’t be affected. Also, your business will get to maximise the efficiency of the boiler as needed. 

 

If needed, consult a specialist to ensure the condition of your steam boiler 

The 4 points discussed above are just some of the basic troubleshooting that you can do to maximise your steam boiler usage. If you’ve tried these already but your boiler performance doesn’t improve, then it’s time to consult a specialist. 

If you’re someone who just recently invested in a steam boiler for your business, try these 4 simple ways to make the most out of your boiler. Remember, an efficient boiler makes progressive work production that benefits your business. 

 

About the author:

Bianca Banda is a writer for Trilogy Boilers Australia, a veteran in specialized boiler and burner installations, servicing, engineering, industrial gas plumbing, and more. She is a massive lover of Japanese cuisine and enjoys binge-watching comedies or variety shows.