As you may recall, during February 2021 in the southern US and northern Mexico we faced a natural gas shortage caused by the cold weather front from the United States.
We know that companies need to continue with production in the face of such shortages, which is why the need arose to adjust their systems to operate with two fuels such as LP gas and diesel.
Benefits of having a second fuel line
Being equipped with a second fuel line will provide you with following advantages:
1.-Continuous operation: ensures that you won’t have to cease production in the event of a gas shortage.
2.-Maintain efficiency: when changing fuel type, you won’t lose heating capacity in your burners.
3.-Cost savings:
• Depending on the region of Mexico, natural gas is generally cheaper, so migrating to this fuel tends to mean savings for the user, who only needs to have a tank of LP gas.
• You need 2.5 times less natural gas to produce the same as with LP gas, so those seeking to reduce their consumption can choose this fuel.
4.-Does not require major changes to your system: most line burners do not usually require part changes to work with two fuels (it is necessary to verify this, case by case).
5.-Quick process: once the necessary modifications have been carried out, only slight adjustments have to be made to certain valves in order to change fuel.
How do you adapt your furnaces?
According to your specific need and objectives, there are two possible scenarios:
Case 1: When you stick with the same fuel train and want to modify it to run on a new fuel
In these cases it is a question of a change of spare parts and some adjustments to the system:
• Main regulator: check the main regulator’s internal orifice. This will depend on the type of fuel currently being used. If it is natural gas, a larger orifice is required to allow a greater flow. If it is LP gas, a smaller orifice is required because there will be a lighter flow.
• Safety limit switches: no adjustments required.
• Safety valves: no adjustments required.
• Orifice plate: verify the diameter of the orifice so that it provides an appropriate reading.
• Adjustment valves: check that they are in the operating range for proper use.
Case 2: You already have a fuel train and want to install another in parallel in order to create a dual system
In this case we are talking about a project to add a second fuel line:
• Main regulator: add another regulator selected on the basis of secondary operating flow (be that LP gas or natural gas). We recommend that the regulators preferably be of the same make in order to make line maintenance easier.
• Shut-off valves: choose types that switch from one fuel to another.
• Safety limit switches: no adjustments required.
• Safety valves: no adjustments required.
• Orifice plate: select one that works for both fuels or create a bypass in the current orifice plate, according to the number of burners and characteristics of the combustion system.
• Adjustment valves: similar to the previous point, it is necessary to check if the installed adjustment valve works for both fuels or requires a bypass to adapt it to the new fuel.
How can Nutec Bickley help you?
To adjust your burners, we help you in the following way:
1.-When you want to modify your current fuel train: generally, it is not necessary to change many components; you only have to make the necessary adjustments to the air/fuel ratio to operate the burner.
2.-When you want to install a new fuel train in parallel: for a dual system, you must adjust the second fuel train’s regulator so that it provides the necessary flow and pressure during the operation of the burner using the second fuel.
We appreciate that these projects are often thought of as involving many component changes and major system adjustments. The reality is that it is a very simple and fast process that only requires validating certain critical points.
Be aware of your options in considering the broader picture, with the aim of always being able to continue operating in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Contact our advisers and get them to review your own particular situation and to offer you their recommendation.
