Plant Services - December 2007 - (Page 21)

EFFICIENCY Steam Systems About the auditing process If your facility recently replaced the boiler system, more than likely a steam audit isn’t needed. However, if the boiler system is more than five years old, the Steamer may have been doing his dirty work for quite a while and a steam audit is highly recommended. A steam audit can take several days to complete, depending on the type of audit and the size of the facility. A facility need not shut down for the procedure; it’s actually better that it continue as usual so the auditor can easily spot steam leaks and other anomalies during daily operations. During a boiler room audit, your mild-mannered auditor will check the boiler controls, the boiler, blowdown and feedwater conditioning to identify inefficiency issues. Auditors use their uncanny abilities to do an inventory of key equipment, looking for: • Energy-saving methods • Areas to implement better engineering practices • Health and safety concerns In a complete facility audit, an inspector not only checks the inventory of key equipment in the boiler room, but also focuses on potential improvements throughout the energy-using facility, effectively putting the cuffs on the Steamer to bring him under control. The evaluator inspects the boiler, steam flow, pressures, temperatures, air handling, steam trapping, piping ancillaries including valving and insulation, condensate handling and heat recovery. Energy savings are sought through: • Locating steam leaks • Heat recovery • Conservation of flash steam • Return of condensate GERMAN ENGINEERING Start at the boiler One of the first things an auditor needs to determine is the condition of the boiler system (Figure 1). The decision to replace a boiler shouldn’t be based solely on the boiler’s age. Some boilers, even 70-years-old, remain in good condition. However, if December 2007 DISCOVER W W W.DISCOVERCURTIS.COM ©2007 Curtis-Toledo, Inc. 19282a www.PLANTSERVICES.com CTGNL GENRL German.indd 1 21 9/19/07 7:19: http://www.discovercurtis.com http://www.discovercurtis.com http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Plant Services - December 2007

Plant Services - December 2007 Contents From the Editor: Orange Alert The PS Files: Pressed into Innovation Up and Running What Works: Samuel Adams Facility Refreshed in Cincinnati Energy Expert: Energy's "Perfect Storm" Technology Toolbox: Know Your Position Cover Story: Get a Grip on the Steamer Piping: Outside Looking In Web Hunter: Potpourri X In the Trenches: Making a Big Stink Boiler Room: Getting Educated

Plant Services - December 2007

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