Maybe you’re thinking, what the heck is an industrial boiler Blowdown?
Sounds expensive, or even like it’s time for a new boiler, HELP! But it really is not as bad as it sounds. When you don’t speak ‘Plumber or Heating Engineer’ fluently, like most of us, we’ll give you a quick introduction to industrial boiler blowdowns, so you can understand what it is and why they’re important.
Now the title of this post sounds very specific, and it is. Not everyone needs to know about industrial boilers. So, if you are in the business of managing properties, are responsible for operations and or property management, keep reading as this information could come in handy.
An industrial boiler blowdown refers to the process of removing impurities and sediment buildup from a boiler system. This is done by periodically draining a portion of the water from the boiler and replacing it with fresh water. The frequency and amount of blowdowns required depend on factors such as water quality, operating conditions, and the type of boiler.
What’s the purpose of an industrial boiler blowdown? ( And can you get away with skipping one or two?)
Now, you may be wondering why this process is necessary. Fair enough.
Over time, boilers accumulate impurities such as dissolved solids, suspended particles, and sludge from the feed water. These impurities can cause corrosion, reduce efficiency, and damage equipment if left untreated. Additionally, they can also lead to scale formation which reduces heat transfer and increases energy consumption.
The buildup of these impurities can also create an environment for bacteria growth, which can pose health risks for workers in industrial facilities. By conducting regular blowdowns, these impurities are removed from the system before they have a chance to cause any harm.
The relevance of industrial boiler blowdowns: water chemistry inside an industrial boiler
As water is continuously heated and evaporated in the boiler, its concentration of impurities increases. Industrial boiler blowdowns help to control this concentration by removing a portion of the water and replacing it with fresh water, thus preventing excessive buildup of impurities. This is necessary for ensuring proper water chemistry and preventing harmful impurities from causing damage
In addition to all of these benefits, conducting regular blowdowns can also improve the overall efficiency and performance of a boiler. By removing impurities, the boiler is able to operate more effectively, resulting in energy cost savings for industrial facilities.
Industrial boiler blowdowns now probably seem like a simpler process than anticipated. As they play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency, safety, and longevity of boiler systems, don’t underestimate their significance.
The question remains, is this something you could do yourself, or do you need a professional heating engineer to do this for you?
This obviously depends on your experience and sufficiency, and maybe even on the amount of extra time you have on your hands. Although you might think it’s better to save some expenses and do this yourself, don’t forget to estimate the value of your own time. Want to discuss your options? Reach out to us to see how we can take some of that work out of your hands.
