Steam Systems

steam-2Over 45% of all the fuel burned by U.S. manufacturers is consumed to raise steam, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Steam is used to heat raw materials and treat semi-finished products. It is also a power source for equipment, as well as for building heat and electricity generation. But steam is not free. It costs approximately $18 billion (1997 dollars) annually to feed the boilers generating the steam.

In terms of increasing the efficiency of your steam system, the DOE offers the following tips:

  • Determine the efficiency of your steam generation system (based on steam output/fuel input).
  • Determine how much steam you use, and how much it costs to generate this steam.
  • Optimize excess air in your boiler to increase steam generation efficiency.
  • Maintain clean fire-side and water-side boiler heat transfer surfaces.
  • Optimize boiler blowdown to reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the boiler system.
  • Optimize your boiler control system to optimize steam generation efficiency.
  • Ensure that an effective water treatment system is in place.

The following resources, tools and case studies may help you move forward with optimizing your steam system.

Resources

Tools

The U.S. DOE offers tools for evaluating and identifying steam systems improvements.

MnTAP Case Studies