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The crucial role of steam boilers in industry
Steam has been at the heart of industrial innovation, supporting production and critical processes across a range of industries. We take a look at the evolution of steam technology in the petrochemical sector, where precision meets efficiency. We also highlight the benefits of our range of steam boilers that utilise unique and effective steam generator technology.
Unveilling the power of steam
Steam is used in a wide range of critical processes across industries as diverse as manufacturing, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, oil and petrochemicals. More and more sectors and businesses are investing in energy-efficient steam boiler technology to realise the benefits. This article explores the many ways in which steam boilers are vital to the industrial sector, with a particular focus on their role in the petrochemical industry and the innovative qualities that define Aggreko's new generation of containerised steam boilers.
Insights into Aggreko's containerised steam boilers
Benefits of Aggreko's steam boiler range
Their compact design minimises heat dissipation, maximises heat transfer efficiency, and reduces fuel expenses. This efficiency is a game-changer, especially in energy-intensive sectors.
Our steam boilers systems are available in 2T/h or 5.5T/h units in 10ft or 20ft containers, offering a versatile and compact footprint that can be deployed with ease. This feature caters to industries where space is at a premium.
Unlike conventional setups, our new containerised steam systems are engineered with minimal interconnecting pipework, in many cases reducing installation timelines.
Modern steam boilers boast rapid startup capabilities, transitioning from standby to steam generation within minutes. This not only enables energy efficiency but also allows operators to conserve energy by shutting down equipment during idle periods.
Sector focus
How can our steam systems support the petrochemical and refining industries?
In the petrochemical sector, where precision and safety are paramount, Aggreko’s modern boiler systems excel. Operating optimally within the 110°c to 180°c temperature range, steam generators become indispensable for a multitude of critical processes.
Sector focus
Steam in petrochemical applications
In cases where older, inefficient systems need replacing, steam boilers can serve as interim solutions until newer, more efficient systems are installed.
Steam is an essential utility in day-to-day operations within these industries. It is used for various purposes, including heating, distillation, and chemical reactions. Steam boilers provide a reliable source of steam to maintain production.
Modern steam systems are designed to be energy-efficient, this helps in reducing emissions and energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.
Steam can be used to create temperature-controlled environments for heat load testing of equipment and processes. This is essential for verifying the performance of new equipment before it is integrated into the production process.
During scheduled maintenance and turnarounds, existing equipment may need to be taken offline. Steam boilers can serve as temporary replacements, ensuring continuous operation and minimising downtime.
Steam can help increase production capacity, our equipment can be scaled up or down to meet seasonal demands or changing production requirements.
When expanding production facilities steam can provide the necessary before permanent systems are installed.
Steam is used in various petrochemical and refining processes, such as coking, line cleaning, and compression. Steam provides the necessary utility for these critical processes, contributing to efficient and safe operations.
Environmental and efficiency benefits
These systems can effectively operate with svarious water types due to the onboard water softner package which comes with the boiler.
Our steam boilers respond swiftly to fluctuations in steam demand, ensuring uninterrupted processes and peak operational efficiency.
Equipped with dual fuel burners capable of using various energy sources, including light oil, natural gas, lpg/lng, and HVO, these systems offer much needed flexibility.
The reduced weight of our containerised steam boilers simplifies transportation, making them suitable for temporary structures and remote installations.
With minimal components to maintain, downtime due to maintenance is substantially reduced, contributing to uninterrupted operations.
Our modern steam boilers produce high-quality, dry steam efficiently and promptly.
State-of-the-art boiler systems incorporate automatic monitoring, enabling extended unmanned operation periods—up to three and a half times longer than traditional steam boilers.
Our steam boilers eliminate the need for large water storage, enhancing safety and reducing water consumption.
Comparing traditional steam boilers vs Aggreko steam boilers: a closer look at steam production technology.
The below diagram outlines the difference between traditional boiler systems and Aggreko’s state of the art containerised steam boilers utilising unique steam generation technology.
These systems both harness the power of steam but diverge significantly in their design and functionality. To truly appreciate these differences, let's delve deeper into the inner workings of each technology and explore how they generate steam.
These systems both harness the power of steam but diverge significantly in their design and functionality. To truly appreciate these differences, let's delve deeper into the inner workings of each technology and explore how they generate steam.
Traditional boilers
- Heats lots of water, Slower start-up
- Big installation, Complex logistics
- Huge quantity of steam, Risk management imperative
- Large tank, Multiple tubes
Aggreko's steam boilers
- Heats less water, faster start-up
- Compact installation, simple logistics
- Steam on demand, enhanced safety
- Small tank, single tube
Empowering petrochemical precision
Efficiency and safety: the vital role of steam in petrochemical processes
As we explore the benefits of these technologies, it becomes clear that steam production methods can greatly impact efficiency, safety and ease of use in various industrial applications.