Industrial Boilers: Understanding and Preventing Common Problems
Posted on: 8 November 2021
Boiler problems can lead to extensive losses for your business. In general, a failed boiler will cause significant downtime in normal activities, reducing the profit margins. Also, the repair costs for a boiler can be high. Additionally, the damaged boiler could result in injuries within the premises. Therefore, if you have installed this piece of equipment in your industrial premises, you should monitor for common problems and plan for prevention and repair. Here is a simple guide on the most prominent issues affecting industrial boilers.
Excessive Scaling
The formation of scale in your industrial boiler will cause malfunction of your equipment. Scaling occurred when the salts or minerals of magnesium and calcium are precipitated from the water during the boiling process. These minerals form a layer on the surfaces of the boiler. The layer might seem harmless, but it is highly detrimental to heat transfer. Simply speaking, the thin scale will hinder the flow of heat and cause an increased demand for energy.
Also, the scale will cause significant resistance to heat exchange. The retained heat could increase the risk of the boiler rupturing or becoming deformed. The primary cause of excessive scaling in an industrial boiler is poor water quality. If your operations depend on hard water, the boiler will have a constant build-up of scale. You can prevent this problem by changing your source of water. Alternatively, invest in a water treatment system for your boiler.
Water Leakage
Industrial boilers operate under high temperatures and pressure. Therefore, it is not uncommon for components in the system to be compromised during operation. In simple terms, the harsh operating conditions could result in leakage of water from the piping, joints and the tank. Often, the leaks will be visible, and you will notice drips from the compromised points. However, you must guard against the unseen leaks, too. For example, water leakage is not unusual in air vents. Keep in mind that uncontrolled water leakage will cause corrosion and reduce boiler efficiency. So, monitor your system for leaks and prevent an escalation by installing a water meter. The device will detect all leaks, including hidden ones.
Damaged Insulation
Finally, you should keep an eye on the condition of insulation in your industrial boiler system. The insulation placed around the critical components of the unit is designed to prevent heat losses. Therefore, significant damage will reduce the boiler efficiency by allowing unwanted heat exchange. Check the state of the insulation regularly and replace missing sections for optimal boiler performance.
Contact a local supplier of industrial boilers to learn more about this system.
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