ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how the boiler operates, how it is instrumented, and some of the more common ways to save energy in its operation and use. Many commercial and industrial facilities use fossil fuel-fired boilers to produce steam or hot water for space heating or for process heating. In most situations, however, the fuel available is natural gas, fuel oil of some sort, or coal. The technology for dealing with coal, gas, or fuel oil is well-known. The largest use of energy in many facilities is in boilers. Boilers generate steam which is then used to provide space heat, process heat, mechanical power, and possibly electricity. Companies are continually searching for fuels less expensive than coal, fuel oil, and gas. A natural source for an inexpensive fuel is manufacturing waste, and this can be almost anything with hydrocarbons.
