Increase Burner & Boiler Efficiency with Improved Control
The use of boilers and their associated burners is widespread across a large number of industries and they form a crucial part of many processes, especially for the generation of saturated steam.
However, with ever-increasing fuel costs and the heightened focus on CO2 emissions, it is becoming more important than ever to ensure that the efficiency of this equipment is maximised. One key factor is employing accurate and reliable sensor technology which can be seamlessly connected into the main control system.
Across the industrial and commercial landscape boilers are used as the main generating system for steam or hot water and as such they need to be able to react to changes in demand without affecting the overall efficiency of the system.
This ability is dependent on a number of factors including the design of the boiler, the fuel source and the control system which is used to monitor demand and manage the boiler.
In general, boilers use either oil or gas as the fuel source, although biomass is becoming a more widely used fuel as the cost of fossil fuels continues to rise and customers look for a more sustainable heating solution.
For those remaining with oil and gas, the design of modern boilers has changed considerably in order to meet the latest legislation as well as improving efficiency.
The need to reduce NOx emissions has led to the development of flue gas recirculation (FGR) which involves up to 25 percent of the flue gas being returned to the burner, improving combustion efficiency and reducing NOx levels to as little as 25 percent of their normal levels.
Although extremely effective, FGR may not be suitable for all applications such as those with high temperature flue gases or those with elevated oxygen levels.
The control systems for modern boilers have a much greater degree of control over the fuel and air quantities as well as the water temperature and steam pressure which enables the boiler to operate more efficiently.
Depending on the demand, the control system can modulate the firing rate over a wider range than previously and therefore keep the boiler running rather than using a start/stop control system which can have detrimental effects on the boiler itself.
Oil-fired
When operating an oil-fired boiler the overall efficiency of the fuel is largely due to the particle size of the oil and its viscosity which requires accurate measurement of temperature and pressure in order to give a consistent fuel jet and maximise the efficiency of the burner. Ideal for this application, Bürkert has developed a range of pressure transmitters which provide a standardised 4-20mA output and are easily installed and integrated into the control loop to provide accurate and reliable data.
In addition to the pressure sensors, the measurement of temperature is also very important to ensure the correct flow rate of fuel and this can be accomplished with an integrated transmitter such as the Type 8400 which has been designed to provide information via the built-in display as well as an analogue or fieldbus signal.
Accurate burner control should also be combined with safe operation which means the inclusion of safety shut-off valves within the design of the oil burner control loop. Bürkert offers a range of TÜV-certified solenoid valves which have been designed with stringent quality controls to deliver functional reliability and low maintenance operation.
Suitable for the different performance classes and types of oil burner, the range of valves is designed for use in the main fuel feed, return lines and circulation lines where the fuel is pre-heated.
Gas-fired
In the UK, the gas-fired boiler is probably the most common and with the fuel being a gas it does not suffer from issues with atomisation; the control aspect relies on maintaining the correct air/fuel mix to ensure optimised combustion.
This requires accurate and reliable flow measurement and flow control in order to allow the boiler to be matched to the demand of the system and thereby ensure a cost effective and efficient application.
Bürkert”s considerable experience in gas handling has produced a wide range of monitoring and control devices which include the latest gas flowmeters which use the calorimetric principle of flow measurement.
This design enables the Type 8007 and 8008 flowmeters for example to measure large flow rates with assured accuracy since they are unaffected by changes in temperature and pressure.
Complete control solutions
Bürkert is a market leader in the control of fluids and gases, with extensive expertise and design capabilities; it can work with OEM”s and end users alike to develop gas and steam control solutions and improvements for a wide range of applications. Its design expertise includes complete steam systems, heat exchangers and water heating systems for industrial and commercial applications.
Kirsty Anderson
Bürkert Fluid Control Systems
Address: Fluid Control Centre, 1 Bridge End, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1QY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1285 648720 Fax: +44 (0)1285 648721
Web: www.burkert.co.uk
Email: kirsty.anderson@burkert.com
Burkert Fluid Control Systems
- 01285648720
- sales.uk@burkert.com
- http://www.burkert.com/
- Fluid Control Centre 1 Bridge End Gloucestershire Cirencester GL7 1QY GB
About us
Bürkert is present in thirtyfive countries around the world. We also work with a large network of distributors and partners, which means we are as close as possible to our customers. This global presence ensures full service and support to all of our customers in every country around the world. Research is the lifeblood of our company.
At Bürkert, we are never satisfied with the status quo and are continually seeking new technologies and solutions for our customers. Every year, our people develop new and highly advanced products and solutions, ranging from integrated process measurement and control units to the most sophisticated systems used in pharmaceutical research. To be a market leader, we are also an R&D leader.
Therefore, our investment in research & development is one of the highest in our industry. In our research centres in Germany and France, 150 people are committed to working for a common future for our company and our customers. We are committed to offering our expertise wherever it is needed, anywhere in the world. This global presence ensures that our advances in fluid control technology are also global.
What we do in a nutshell
Manufacture of process equipment. One of the few manufacturers to provide solutions for the complete control loop.
Where we supply to
UK Ireland, Europe
Industries we supply to
Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Water and Wastewater
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