1. Analyse
Economiser outlet temperatures were compared across the boilers.
Restoring economiser performance
When low heat recovery hides behind normal boiler operation
Customer scenario
A manufacturing site used boiler economisers to recover heat and raise feedwater temperature. Analysis showed inconsistent hot-water temperatures after the economisers, with values generally lower than expected for the heat available. Investigating the temperature pattern revealed an opportunity to restore heat recovery through targeted cleaning.
What Our Energy Experts Revealed
Temperature comparison exposed inconsistent performance
Outlet temperatures after the boiler economisers varied between boilers and were generally below the expected level.
Low outlet temperature indicated lost heat recovery
The available heat was not being transferred consistently into the feedwater.
Investigation led to targeted maintenance
Fouling was investigated and the economisers were subject to a cleaning procedure increasing the efficiency of the energy recovery.
From insight to action
2. Interpret
Economiser outlet temperatures were compared across the boilers.
3. Improve
The economisers were cleaned to address fouling and increase the energy transference.
4. Achieve
Feedwater temperature increased from 125°C to above 150°C and boiler efficiency improved by 2%.
Why economiser performance matters?
An economiser can remain in service while recovering less heat than expected. Comparing outlet temperatures across similar boilers helps reveal inconsistent performance that may otherwise be treated as normal operation. Restoring heat transfer raises feedwater temperature, reducing the fuel required by the boiler to generate steam.
Could your economisers be recovering less heat than expected?
Talk to our energy experts to learn how temperature data and boiler-efficiency analysis can reveal hidden heat-recovery losses.
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