Three Main Common Types of Industrial Steam Boilers Based on Fuel Type Used
Steam boilers are widely used to generate heat energy required for a variety of industrial applications. These water-containing vessels convert water to steam using a heat source and then deliver the steam to points where it is required while operating industrial equipment.
One of the key aspects that differentiate steam boilers is the source of heat they use to generate steam for industrial use. Below are some of the common types of industrial steam boilers available on the market based on the fuel source used.
Gas-fired boilers
These boilers primarily run on either propane or natural gas. They burn fuel efficiently, thus resulting in significant energy savings. Some models can be modified to allow for the use of alternative types of gaseous fuel.
The major drawback of gas-fired industrial boilers is their high upfront cost. These boilers require fuel storage tanks, fuel supply lines, chimneys, roof openings, and other elements that may be expensive to build. Plus, they require periodic maintenance and tuning to keep working efficiently and reliably. However, their low costs of operation make them a cost-effective option over the long term.
Diesel-fired boilers
These industrial boilers are quite expensive to install and they require a high level of maintenance to reduce the release of potentially harmful emissions into the environment. By law, owners of diesel fuel boilers may be required to check emission levels on a regular basis and make sure that they're kept at acceptable levels. On the upside, diesel-fired boilers burn fuel efficiently and they can deliver a high level of performance.
Electric boilers
These steam boilers are the easiest to use. All you have to do to operate your boiler is to connect the equipment to an electric outlet and turn it on. Because they don't require expensive construction like their gas and diesel cousins, electric boilers are the cheapest to install.
Plus, they're also the easiest to maintain because they don't burn fuel that can leave fuel residue behind during operations of industrial equipment. On the downside, electricity isn't the cheapest and most efficient fuel type, hence electric boilers can be quite expensive to operate. Because of the relatively poor efficiency of combustion, boilers that run on electricity may not be suitable for industrial applications that demand high temperatures of combustion.
So, what type of steam boiler is right for your industrial operations? Every boiler type is designed to be used for specific purposes. Talk to a professional for more information about industrial boilers.
