Short-term solutions to reduce steam costs

No one could have foreseen how quickly scarcity of gas and shortage of electrical infrastructure have become a reality. There are many questions among companies with steam boilers looking for solutions to reduce steam production costs. In this article, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Electrification

Many companies want to switch from gas-fired steam to steam generated with electricity. Are you considering this solution? If so, first contact your energy supplier to find out whether an electrical connection is possible and what the maximum capacity can be. It happens regularly that a connection will not be available for another five years. There are a limited number of options you can take to overcome this period.

Diesel as an alternative fuel

Running the steam boiler on another, cheaper, fuel is one solution. Diesel has long been such a fuel. There are even combi burners suitable for diesel and natural gas. With a simple button, you can temporarily switch combustion to the desired fuel. This makes you less dependent on gas prices. Currently, diesel prices are also starting to rise harder and harder, so that may no longer be the best short-term investment to reduce costs.

Propane as a solution

It is also possible to run the steam boiler entirely on propane. Both CERTUSS steam boilers, and other brands, are relatively easy to convert to propane combustion. With this (temporary) operation, you can last through the winter, the upcoming uncertain period or the time you need to switch to and permanent and sustainable solution. Mind you, you also need propane tanks to do this that you can set up outside. 

Optimisation

Through various interventions to the current steam setup, costs can also be reduced. For instance, by connecting an economiser. This uses residual heat from the waste gases to preheat the boiler water. That yields some 5 per cent energy savings. Other energy-saving measures can be found on our website. 

Advice

Together with our experts, we can look at the most appropriate plan of action. During this uncertain period, we are available for questions and are happy to think along with you. We specialise in CERTUSS boilers, for other brands we can refer you to the right contact.