Part of the job of a facility engineer is monitoring that facility’s boiler to make sure it’s running properly and efficiently. Of course, when it’s time to find a new steam boiler, the facility engineer will also have heavy influence with regard to what boiler the facility purchases. Thus, facility engineers should know what their top priorities should be when looking for a new boiler. If you work as a facility engineer, here are a few of the features you should pay attention to when looking for in a new steam boiler.
Size
Traditional boilers are rather large pieces of equipment, but nowadays, it’s usually better to use smaller, more compact boilers. Space inside a boiler room or steam plant is usually at a premium, but using smaller modular boilers like the ones designed by Miura can help create a lot more space. This makes it easier for workers to maneuver inside the boiler room, and more importantly, it creates room for more boilers to be added to the system in the event steam needs increase over time. Also, if you’re planning on building a new boiler room or steam plant, utilizing smaller boilers means you don’t have to dedicate as much space to your boiler room, which will save money on construction costs.Safety
Safety should be a top priority for everybody when looking for a steam boiler. For conventional fire tube boilers, advances have been made to reduce the risk of a serious accident. That being said, if something goes wrong with a fire tube boiler, the results can be potentially catastrophic. On the other hand, more modern water tube boilers are designed in such a way that makes a serious explosion almost impossible. For instance, Miura has never had a report of a major explosion with any of the 140,000 boilers sold worldwide.Efficiency
Not only are boilers a major investment, but they come with significant operating costs as well. Certain boilers run on a specific type of fuel, which is something to consider. However, there are also boilers that can run on multiple types of fuel, which can give you flexibility and help you save on fuel costs. Of course, the overall efficiency of a boiler is something to give careful consideration. Even if a boiler costs more upfront, if it can help you save money on fuel costs, it’ll be worthwhile in the long run. For example, Miura boilers can help to reduce fuel costs by as much as 20 percent, helping to make them a sound investment.Emissions
More than ever, it’s important to look at the emission rates of boilers as it pertains to harmful substances like NOx and CO2. No boiler is going to be emission-free, but if you’re located in a state that has strict emission standards, you need a boiler that can help you meet those standards. In addition to being fuel efficient, Miura’s LX series of boilers is designed to lower emissions of NOx and CO2 compared to traditional boilers.Lifespan
Buying a new boiler is not something you’ll want to do on a regular basis. A good boiler should be able to last at least 20 to 25 years. Of course, the key to making that happen is with regular checkups and routine maintenance. Compared to conventional boilers, newer water tube boilers are much easier to service without the inconvenience of shutting down the entire system. This will make it easier to keep up with regular maintenance on your boiler and increase the chances that you’ll get at least two decades of use out of it.Price
Last but not least, you have to consider the price of your new boiler. Obviously, everyone has a budget that will determine whether or not you can afford a particular boiler. However, with such an important piece of equipment, it’s usually wise not to skimp. Buying a cheap boiler will often times cost more in the long run in added fuel costs and repairs. Instead, use your entire budget to find a boiler that’s safe, efficient, and will keep on running for many years to come.Contact Miura today to learn more about what to look for when scouting a boiler purchase.
