Distilling - energy

Require efficiency value of over 75% based on gross calorific value of fuel:

• Measured after running for at least one hour on steady load
• If not over 75% prioritise boiler for improvements
• Identify performance trends through the keeping of logbooks
• Include water treatment factors in logs

If capital equipment required look for opportunities for tax breaks

Boiler more than 15 years old will be less efficient than a modern boiler

• due to improved construction, heat transfer and insulation
• also may be more suitably designed for process as now is

Efficiency less than 75%? Consider:

• fuel completely combusted or too much combustion air?
• radiation losses from shell excessive?
• insulation not optimal
• radiation losses may be measured while boiler is hot and on stand-by

Blowdown losses excessive?

Scale

• check water treatment log books
• if confirmed clean tubes as per manufacturer’s instructions
• mechanically usually or chemically if needed

An economiser

Preheating combustion air