BOILERS, PUMPS & VALVES


WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER AN UNATTENDED BOILER SYSTEM?


Unattended boiler operating systems have been in use for over 20 years, traditionally by organisations whose operational hours extend beyond the standard. Recent years have seen a considerable acceleration in both the popularity of these systems (Babcock Wanson’s customers now ask for it as standard) and the length of time they are able to safely operate unattended, going from the usual three days up to seven. So what is driving their popularity? Etienne Fourie, technical sales manager, explains


A


n unattended boiler operating system, such as the Babcock Wanson BW3DAYS, permits


uninterrupted operation for a set period (usually of up to six months) and unattended boiler operation, most commonly for up to three days. The system can be set at commissioning for daily or three day checks depending on a risk assessment of the customer’s steam process and their degree of monitoring of the water treatment system employed – all in accordance with the latest BG01 Guidance on Safe Operation of Boilers. Once set up for unattended operation, all the


user needs to do is monitor for any operational alarms and undertake a very simple check every three days, which is completed without interfering with boiler operation and is acknowledged to the boiler control system, thereby ensuring the tests are completed to the operating schedule.


UNEXPECTED BENEFITS Apart from the obvious cost and convenience of being able to run a boiler without operator attendance, unattended boiler operating systems have a number of benefits that you may not have factored in. Top of this list is a lower


boiler operation cost. This is achieved through the


replacement of daily boiler water level control checks by a simple 15 minute test every three days, which does not interfere with normal production requirements. Furthermore, the mandatory daily/weekly boiler water level control evaporation test is replaced with a six monthly test, thereby reducing overall manning and operational costs. Overall energy savings are achieved when boilers are controlled by an unattended boiler operating system, along with reduced emissions. Obviously, any savings made have to be offset


against the annual cost of the system, but this is a fraction of the cost when compared to the labour savings made, especially if staff are being paid extra to work at weekends, evenings, and so on. Next in line in driving the popularity of these


systems, is the ease of operation. Self-checking burner controls, for example, enable uninterrupted, unattended burner operation. Another key benefit is improved safety and conformance with current and future UK & EU legislation, and one that even 24/7 operational sites that are fully staffed are increasingly attracted to.


TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL Three day unattended boiler operating systems


Viewing unattended boiler operation


(essentially covering a weekend) are the standard, but seven day systems are now gaining in popularity. They operate with the same principle, but have many additional benefits including extensive data logging, providing the user with valuable information. Babcock Wanson’s BW7DAYS system, which comes


with automatic Total Dissolved Solids Control, is the first seven day unattended boiler operating system to market and has proven highly popular. It features the innovative NAVinergy remote monitoring system which integrates all of the components necessary for the supervision and management of the boiler room: control, regulation, recording, visualisation and communication. It enables organisations to monitor their boiler room from any device, anywhere in the world. All relevant data – including regular tests – is


recorded, saved and stored on a compact flash type memory which also records normal boiler operating data; all of which can be easily downloaded to a standard PC for record keeping. The cost to upgrade from a three to a seven day system is negligible, which makes it all the more appealing.


FILLING THE SKILLS SHORTAGE GAP The IET’s recent Skills Survey shows that half of engineering businesses are experiencing difficulties in recruiting skilled staff. These staff are in such short supply that more and more businesses are having to look at other solutions, primarily automation of plant. Unattended boiler operating systems that provide seven day cover will only become more prevalent in the UK to meet this skills gap.


Babcock Wanson T: 020 8953 7111 www.babcock-wanson.com


www.essmag.co.uk ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Winter 22/23 29


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40