Optimizing your industrial furnaces' energy efficiency is a matter of vital importance for two main reasons:

1. Costs. If certain aspects of the combustion process are not carefully attended to, increased expense will be incurred because more fuel will be required to reach the desired temperature. Every company seeks to reduce its costs and to do more with less.
2. Environmental impact. A company’s carbon footprint is linked to the energy efficiency of its processes, so reducing natural gas (or other fuel) consumption is important to be environmentally responsible.
   
   

In this article, we will consider the factors that may be affecting your energy efficiency and how you can optimize the process.

Factors Affecting Your Energy Efficiency

Here are some elements that can hinder energy efficiency:

• Heat losses in the furnace process. This can occur due to damaged insulation or improper gas flow distribution within the furnace.
• Inefficient combustion processes. This can be caused by an incorrect air/fuel ratio (excess gas or air) or poor mixing due to internal burner damage.
  
  

Key Steps to Achieve an Energy Efficient Furnace

Here are some tips to help you optimize your combustion processes:

1. Monitor the temperature. Check the furnace's colder side for hot spots.
2. Analyze Combustion Gases. Periodically analyze the composition of the furnace combustion gases to ensure they maintain anticipated oxygen and CO levels.
3. Maintain Stoichiometric Ratio. Regularly check that combustion air and fuel flows are in a stoichiometric ratio.
4. Inspect Burners. Inspect burners for damage at least twice a year.
5. Perform Regular Maintenance. Conduct periodic maintenance on the combustion system.
6. Prevent Cold Air Intrusion. Avoid cold air entering the furnace, as it can impact process efficiency.
7. Maintain Temperature Control Loops. Keep temperature control loops tuned. If you lack a loop, consider integrating one.
8. Monitor Consumption. Regularly monitor fuel consumption, either manually or automatically.
   
   

We Can Assist You at NUTEC Bickley 

Some of our products and services that can help you optimize your energy efficiency are:

• Install fuel and airflow meters in your combustion system.
• Energy Audit Services with diagnosis and recommendations from our experts.
• Updating your furnaces' combustion and control systems, incorporating the latest technology for more efficient temperature control.
• Optimization of your control system.

At NUTEC Bickley, we specialize in industrial furnaces and their diverse components.

Contact our expert advisers so they can let you know about all the solutions that we have for you.