If you’re in charge of a boiler, you likely know that boiler corrosion is the enemy. Exposure of iron in the system to water and oxygen creates corrosion. The metal reacts chemically and disintegrates, forming rust. The Science Of Corrosion When Iron is in contact with water, they combine to form ferrous hydroxide. Fe + 2H2O = Fe(OH)2 + 2H+ Iron + Water=Ferrous Hydroxide + Hydrogen (The top layer of ferrous hydroxide protects the remaining iron.) If dissolved oxygen is present, it combines with the ferrous hydroxide to form an insoluble compound, ferric hydroxide, which is rust. 4Fe (OH)2 + O2 ..read more

Boilers cycle on when there is a demand for steam and off when that steam demand is met. When a boiler is able to quickly satisfy the demand for process or space heating, this can create a problem known as short cycling. The boiler must cycle on and off very quickly which results in cycling losses. In this article we cover the main causes of boiler short cycling and how you can avoid it. Losses From Boiler Short Cycling A typical boiler goes through a lengthy start up and shut down sequence that includes: Call For Heat. Safety Check. Pre-Purge Or Blower Start Up. Modulate Combustion Air Dampe ..read more

If you manage a facility, hopefully you know the importance of performing mechanical maintenance on your equipment. But do you know how large the financial payback can be for a good maintenance strategy? In this article we look at a maintenance case study done by the US Department Of Energy, the Building Owners and Managers Association, The New Building Institute and The U.S. Department of Energy Operations and Maintenance. Before we dive into a maintenance case study, lets go over the basics. REACTIVE VS TIME-BASED VS CONDITION BASED Reactive maintenance is similar to the theory “if it i ..read more

Extreme temperatures and high pressures make boiler tube repair vitally important. When done right, re-tubing can give a boiler new life. Replacing cracked pitted or scaled tubes allows the boiler to function properly. What Causes Boiler Tube Failure Embrittlement of a boiler tube causing a crack due to poor water treatment. Raw water from a well or municipality contains impurities such as suspended solids, dissolved solids, and dissolved gases. Feed water can contain these impurities as well as industrial wastes, sediment, and microorganisms. In the Midwest, we most commonly find calcium, m ..read more

In a new era of sustainability, there’s a growing urgency to save energy and reduce overall environmental impacts. By implementing the use of a plate heat exchanger, energy can be transferred between two fluids at different temperatures. This improves efficiency through heat transfer. The energy already in the system can be transferred before it leaves the system. In this article we tackle the basics of heat exchange and discuss how to maintain a plate heat exchanger.  WHAT IS A HEAT EXCHANGER?  The main functionality of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat between two fluids at dif ..read more

Every combustion system needs a fresh supply of air for optimal operation. When boiler room air supply is set up correctly, it equalizes pressure inside and outside the boiler room and allows for proper combustion. This supply of air must be consistent, or it can cause problems. Process outages, soot build-up, rough combustion, carbon monoxide, operational hazards and maintenance calls just to name a few. In this article, we will examine how much air your boiler needs and considerations for optimal air flow. How Much Air Does My Boiler Room Need? A good rule of thumb is to provide 4 – 6 square ..read more

When it comes to the smooth operation of your boiler, having access to a comprehensive range of boiler burner parts is crucial. That is why we take pride in our extensive inventory of more than 20,000 boiler and burner parts. This ensures we can have your parts ready at a moment’s notice. In this article, we will explore the basics of these components and how Rasmussen Mechanical Services ensures customers can acquire the required parts fast. Understanding Boiler Burner Parts Boiler burner parts are the components responsible for igniting and maintaining the flame inside the boiler. They work ..read more

Boilers play a crucial role in providing heat and power needed for many processes. When it comes to boiler designs, there are two primary types that stand out: watertube vs firetube boilers. Understanding the differences and advantages of each type is essential for making informed decisions in selecting the right boiler for your application. In this article, we will compare and contrast watertube and firetube boilers by highlighting their unique characteristics, operating principles, and suitable applications. Commercial and industrial boilers operate based on similar principles, regardless of ..read more

Mechanical piping refers to the system of pipes and components used to transport fluids, such as water, steam, natural gas, and chemicals. Piping plays a crucial role in a facility’s ability to transport these fluids where they are needed in a safe manner. Types of Mechanical Piping There are several types of mechanical piping, each serving a specific purpose in commercial and industrial settings. Here are some of the most common types of mechanical piping: Steam Piping: Steam piping is used to transport steam generated by boilers. This steam is used in various applications from heating to c ..read more

Boiler tuning is the act of adjusting combustion to achieve optimal performance. Proper tuning is crucial to maintain efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend the life of the boiler. In this article, we will discuss the importance of tuning, the factors that affect combustion, and the steps involved in tuning a boiler. Importance Of Proper Boiler Tuning Soot Build Up Inside A Watertube Boiler Tuning your boiler is essential to ensure that the combustion process is optimized for efficiency, safety, and emissions. A poorly tuned boiler can result in a range of problems, including increased fue ..read more