Used steam boiler

Types of used steam boilers

A used steam boiler is an industrial heating system that provides steam by heating water. Double-drum used steam boilers are vertical or horizontal cylinders containing two steel drums. The upper part is the drum, situated above the heating surface, where the steam is separated and collected. In the lower part, the water and heat transfer surfaces are located. Double-drum used steam boilers are suited for large production volumes or very high-temperature requirements.

Used fire-tube boilers contain many small ferrous tubes that transmit the hot gases formed by the combustion of the fuel. The hot gases heat the water in the boiler, which transforms into steam. Fire-tube used steam boilers are available in various sizes and capacities. Besides, they are typically straightforward to install and operate. In addition, used fire-tube boilers are budget-friendly options for buyers who need to invest a lot of money in steam-generating equipment.

Used water-tube steam boilers are the opposite of fire-tube boilers. Water-tube boilers have small tubes that harbor water. Hot gases flow through the tubes and heat the water, transforming it into steam. Water-tube boilers can generate high levels of steam pressure and are suitable for large-scale production.

Used electric steam boilers generate steam by applying electric power to a resistance heating element submerged in water. Electric used steam boilers are suitable for places where a power grid is enough to supply energy. They are also appropriate where fuel storage is uneconomical, unsafe, or impractical. Used electric boilers are appropriate for providing process loads and small space heating applications.

Specification and maintenance of used steam boilers

Specification

• Sizes and capacities

  Used industrial boilers usually have large sizes and capacities to meet the demands of industrial production. Their size is often indicated in terms of volume or weight, for example, on tons per hour (TPH) or kilograms per hour (KPH).

• Fuel types

  Used industrial boilers can be divided into gas boilers, oil boilers, coal boilers, biomass boilers, and electric boilers according to their fuel types. Different fuel types require different storage and supply systems.

• Control systems

  The control system of used industrial boilers usually includes automatic controls, manual controls, and supervisory control systems. Automatic controls can realize automatic start and shut of boilers, as well as automatic adjustment of pressure and temperature; manual controls need operators to control them manually; supervisory control systems can realize remote monitoring and control, bringing more convenient management and maintenance.

• Efficiency and environment

  Used industrial boilers need to have high thermal efficiency to reduce energy consumption and production costs. At the same time, they also need to have good emission control to meet the requirements of environmental protection. This includes controlling the emission of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and other polluting gases.

Maintenance

• Regular inspection

  Regularly inspect each part of the used steam boiler, including pressure vessels, pipes, valves, gauges, burners, etc. Make sure the boiler is in good condition and working properly. Check for wear, leaks, and malfunctions, and repair or replace them as needed.

• Maintain the cleanliness of the boilers

  Clean the used steam boiler regularly to remove dirt, scale, soot, etc. on the boiler surfaces, tubes, and burners. Keeping boilers tidy can improve heat transfer efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

• Pay attention to water quality

  Good water quality is crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of used steam boilers. Monitor and control the water treatment system to ensure the water meets the quality requirements. Add necessary chemicals to prevent scaling and corrosion.

• Pay attention to the insulation

  The insulation of the used steam boiler is vital to maintaining the heat. Regularly check the insulation materials and components to ensure there is no damage and to make repairs whenever needed.

• Records

  Keep a record of each maintenance and inspection of the used steam boiler. The records should include maintenance dates, content, and problems and their solutions. These records help track boiler conditions and management history and provide useful references for future maintenance and troubleshooting.

Industry scenarios of used steam boilers

Despite their age, many used industrial boilers can still provide reliable and efficient steam for a range of industrial applications.

• Food and beverage processing facilities frequently utilized a second-hand steam boiler for sterilization because it kills harmful bacteria and extends the product's shelf life. It is used to prepare hot water, cook, central heating, dry, humidify, and ferment, among other things.
• Pharmaceutical companies used steam boilers for cleaning, sterilization, and product processing because pharmaceuticals must adhere to strict cleanliness and quality standards. Sterilized equipment and materials are crucial for upholding these criteria.
• Textile Factory: A textile factory may use a steam boiler to supply steam for dyeing and finishing operations, among other things. Steam is utilized in the textile sector for spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing, printing, and other processes.
• Ageing steam boilers are still able to generate the high-pressure, high-temperature steam needed for paper and pulp manufacturing procedures like cooking, pulping, bleaching, dyeing, and finishing.
• Steel mills used steam boilers for cleaning, sterilization, and product processing because steel production requires high-temperature steam pressure to fuel blast furnaces, steam turbines, and other equipment.
• Refineries used an industrial used boiler to provide steam for cracking, distillation, and other refining procedures because crude oil is transformed into petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel using a sophisticated chemical procedure that involves high-pressure steam and temperature.

How to Choose Used Steam Boilers

Both new and used industrial steam boilers are available in the market. However, the market demand for second-hand products has increased in the past few years due to environmental concerns and budget constraints. Here are some factors to consider when buying used boilers for sale.

• Avaiable History

  The boiler's available history is important. Ask for maintenance records, inspection reports, and previous usage details. This information will help in assessing its current condition and potential future maintenance needs.

• Steam Boiler Code Compliance

  Ensure the used boiler complies with all applicable codes and standards. It should have a valid certificate from a recognized authority. The paperwork is important, as it gives users information on the installation, operation, and maintenance of the boiler.

• Capacity and Pressure

  Consider the capacity and pressure requirements of the business. The used boiler should have the capability to meet current production demands without the need for costly upgrades.

• Energy Efficiency

  Consider the energy efficiency of the used steam boiler. Older boilers may be less efficient than newer models, so balancing the cost savings with potential higher operating expenses is crucial.

• Availability of Parts and Support

  Used boilers are older models, so consider if parts and technical support for the unit will be available.

FAQ

Q1: How do used boilers help the environment?

A1: A used boiler prevents waste by repurposing equipment that would otherwise be discarded. It also minimizes energy consumption by reducing the need for new manufacturing processes and facilities to produce new boilers, which typically require high energy use.

Q2: Can a used boiler be repaired?

A2: In many cases, yes. With proper maintenance and repairs, a second-hand boiler can continue to function efficiently for several years.

Q3: Are all used boilers the same?

A3: No. They differ in type, size, capacity, fuel used, and condition of the boiler.