Analysis and Effect of Steam Production Amount on Efficiency of Simple Tube Boiler Applications

Abstract

Boilers, or steam boilers, are crucial components in a variety of industries and applications, from power plants and chemical plants to building heating systems. Their primary function is to generate steam by heating water using a specific energy source (e.g., fossil fuels, biomass, or electricity). The steam produced is then used to drive turbines, heat industrial processes, sterilize, and for various other purposes. This research to quantitatively analyze the effect of variations in steam production on the operational efficiency of a small-scale boiler with a nominal capacity of 12 kg/hour. The experimental method is carried out by operating the boiler (a modified gas cylinder) at various levels or variations in steam production rates achieved by adjusting the fuel combustion rate, while maintaining the appropriate operating pressure. The main equipment of the experiment is an LPG gas cylinder modified as a boiler, a gas stove, a 3 kg LPG gas cylinder. The parameters measured include the fuel consumption rate, the actual amount of steam production, the feed water temperature, and the outlet steam temperature. The boiler efficiency at each steam production level is calculated based on the comparison between the energy contained in the steam produced and the input energy from the fuel. The first test with an absolute pressure of 300 kPa obtained an absolute temperature of 133.52°C and an efficiency of 84%. While the second test with an absolute pressure of 375 kPa obtained an absolute temperature of 141.3°C and an efficiency of 87%. For the third test, with an absolute pressure of 500 kPa obtained an absolute temperature of 151.83°C and an efficiency of 77.5%. The results of the study indicate a correlation between the amount of steam production and boiler efficiency, with the identification of a range of steam production rates that produce optimum efficiency with an efficiency of 87%. This information is crucial for the efficient operation of small-scale boilers, especially in applications with varying steam demand. It is hoped that this research can provide a real contribution in efforts to save energy, reduce operational costs, and minimize the environmental impact of the use of simple tube boilers in various industries.