Plant & Works Engineering Magazine October/November 2024

Energy & Environmental Management Focus on: Boilers, Burners & Controls therefore no flash steam losses, no blow down losses or make up water required, no effluent discharge and completely corrosion free without the need for expensive chemical treatment. Not only are they more energy and cost-effective but in the context of the skills gap they are much easier to operate daily. Furthermore, they operate outside the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations as the fluid is not maintained in the liquid phase by pressure, so are safer. Across Europe and now in the UK there is a move towards electric thermal fluid heaters, such as own newly launched EPC EL which, being modular, can be configured in series and parallel to meet different applications and site requirements. 2. Unattended boiler operation Where thermal fluid heaters are not an option, steam generators remain, but these require a far higher level of skill to operate. Some of this can be mitigated by introducing unattended boiler operating systems. Traditionally these were used by organisations whose operational hours extend beyond the standard. However, recent years have seen a considerable acceleration in both the popularity of these systems (our customers now ask for it as standard) and the length of time they are able to safely operate unattended, from three to seven days. Systems, such as our own BW7DAYS, make for easier operation requiring less skill. Once set up for unattended operation, all the user needs to do is monitor for any operational alarms and undertake a very simple 15-minute test every three or seven days, which is completed without interfering with boiler operation and is acknowledged to the boiler control system, thereby ensuring the tests are completed to the operating schedule. Improved safety and conformance with current and future UK & EU legislation is also a key benefit and one that even 24/7 operational sites that are fully staffed are increasingly attracted to. 3. Water treatment services All steam raising equipment requires the feed water to be treated to prevent corrosion. Both the quality of the steam and the longevity of the boiler producing it are completely dependent upon the condition of that water feed. Poorly prepared water can cause rapid and costly damage to the heating surface and can lead to the end of a boiler’s working life in a short period of time. Water treatment is a skilled task, so consider outsourcing this. 4. Outsource maintenance Regular service and maintenance are essential for steam plant to ensure smooth operation and safety, but even thermal fluid heating systems benefit from regular servicing. Being able to operate such a system does not mean you have the skills to maintain it. Outsourcing this to a specialist, or the manufacturer itself, ensures the work is conducted to a professional level by experienced, trained service engineers. 1 theiet.org/greenskills 28 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk October/November 2024 Babcock Wanson has partnered with water treatment specialists Deep Water Blue to provide water treatment services for steam-raising equipment. Additionally, its vSteam web portal allows customers to enter daily readings online and receive real-time feedback support between scheduled consultancy visits. For further information please visit www.babcock-wanson.com

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