ABSTRACT
The fossil fuel energy picture has changed drastically since the 1973 oil crisis. The current so-called national energy policy aims toward energy independence through conservation and promotes increased coal utilization, due to increasingly severe shortages of domestic oil and natural gas. Fiber glass is an inexpensive option for applications of 50 F-850 F but has low resistance to abuse readily absorbs moisture. Mineral wool has the lowest cost for higher temperature applications, 1200 F-1800 F, and is most appropriate for nonaustenitic stainless steel and low abuse situations. Calcium silicate is relatively inexpensive and best for applications between 300 F and 1200 F. 44.3.4 Boilers are used in many industrial applications, both for process heating and in-plant heating during the winter months. As described earlier for ovens and furnaces, burner and combustion controls should be considered for upgrading to improve boiler energy efficiency.
