Industrial steam boilers are an integral piece of equipment for many types of businesses. By creating powerful heat and steam, boilers can assist in a multitude of processes across various industries. From heating and water temperature regulation to powering machinery in plants, steam boilers play a pivotal role in many day-to-day operations. That is why it’s extremely important to make some major considerations when selecting the right steam boiler for you and your business.
Cost
Buying a new industrial steam boiler can seem like a daunting task. After all, it is a big investment. Cost is most likely the first thing you think of when considering a new, expensive purchase.
Many buyers would be inclined to shop on the cheaper end of the spectrum when it comes to large industrial processing products. However, this is not usually the best way to go over the long run.
Cost and efficiency go hand in hand. If a cheaper piece of equipment is going to require more maintenance and repairs over time, perhaps it makes better sense for your business to make a larger up-front investment in more reliable and cost-effective machinery.
It is hard to pinpoint the exact cost that an industrial boiler may run. Pricing of boilers is based on multiple factors including rated capacity and pressure, fuel type, steam temperature, and final operating efficiency. Add that to shipping and installation fees, plus potential maintenance and repairs, and you’ve got a pretty hefty expense. That is why it is so important to consider the many available features, options, and price points before ultimately deciding on your next steam boiler.
Use
Steam boilers have a wide variety of uses across many different industries. While the standard person might only think of boilers producing heat or steam, there are plenty of unexpected industries that utilize this machinery.
Industrial Steam Boiler Uses:
- Heating
- Energy Generation
- Drying
- Brewing
- Building/Construction Material Creation
- Clothing Laundering and Ironing
- Food Service Processing
- Cooking
- Sanitation
When buying a new industrial boiler, consider what it will be used for. Steam boilers are often used in the foodservice or distribution industry, for heating industrial parks or buildings, brewing beer, or in large industrial laundromat settings. Depending on the intended use, certain makes or models may be better suited to your business’s needs.
There are over fifteen processing equipment manufacturers that Lindberg Process Equipment represents alone! One type of steam boiler may make more sense for you and your company than another, so it is important to look at more than one option before making a selection.
Reliability
In order to keep business running smoothly, you want your steam boiler to be running smoothly as well. When selecting a steam boiler for your business, consider the reliability and durability of the machinery.
No matter how much a boiler may cost, if it is not properly cared for and maintained, any number of issues can arise that impede the expected reliability of the machine. Regular checks of all valves, gauges, and outgoing pipes must be performed.
Ensuring that a steam boiler is working properly before it is in a complete state of disrepair will save your business from unexpected future costs. Businesses that require steam, heat, or energy from steam boilers will face excruciating financial and time losses when entire batches of product need to be tossed away due to malfunction of the system. This is another reason for emphasizing the understanding of the use of steam boiler products in your facility.
Certain brands, such as Honeywell or B&W, may be more prevalent in the public scope of interest. However, there are plenty of alternative steam boiler producers that can provide reliable machinery intended for a long span of use. Comparison shopping, like with any large, expensive purchase, is essential when looking for a new steam boiler.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a steam boiler is just another factor of reliability. Boilers are a lot like cars and other heavy machinery. They require upkeep and maintenance to ensure proper function. If they don’t receive the regular TLC they need, boilers can stop working abruptly and cause a big hiccup in your day-to-day operations.
The average industrial steam boiler should have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years if properly installed and maintained. Talking to your industrial processing equipment provider about statistics and anecdotal experience with various models will help you get a better idea of the lifespan of your desired steam boiler in conjunction with the use and wear it will be under.
Boilers are made from a few different materials. Particularly, cast iron steam boilers can have a shorter lifespan if not cared for properly. Leaking water or steam and corrosive water conditions can lead to all kinds of issues if not taken care of right away and properly.
Overall, the amount of time, money, and care put into an industrial steam boiler will determine its actual lifespan. Even the very best of boilers from world-renowned brands can break down over time if not given the maintenance they need.
Selecting a Steam Boiler
Multiple factors must be considered before purchasing a new industrial steam boiler for your business. It is crucial to understand the necessary maintenance these machines need to continue to function properly over a long duration of time. Making a large investment in a reliable piece of machinery will ultimately benefit operations through the long haul. Consider cost, use, reliability, maintenance, and estimated lifespan before selecting a steam boiler, so you can avoid any unforeseen bumps in the road in the future and keep business running as smoothly as possible.
