Who to Call When Your Boiler Is Not Running Properly

Industrial boilers are used for many things, but the most common use is to heat water for heat or to make steam for other uses in the facility. When the boiler is not running right, it can slow down production, and calling in a burner service to clean or service the boiler is often necessary. 

Understanding the Burner

Inside any boiler is a heat chamber with a burner and a heat exchanger that work together to heat the water for the boiler. The burner is located in the firebox that contains the pilot light, the fuel nozzle, and some other small parts that require a burner service to maintain.

The firebox is connected to the outside through a chimney, and this is where all the combustion for the boiler takes place. Fuel flows to the fuel nozzle and then is atomized with air and ignited within the firebox. The result is a hot flame that heats the firebox and the heat exchanger, so when water passes through it, the water is heated. 

If the boiler is not running correctly, it could be because of the fuel nozzle or because the firebox's interior has built up a lot of soot and needs cleaning. In any case, hiring a burner service to diagnose the problem should be the first step.

Cleaning the Burner

The burner service tech will have to shut down the boiler to service and clean it, but if you have regular maintenance on the burner, it will be easier to clean and require less downtime. In most cases, the burner tech will remove the old fuel nozzle and inspect it for damage. If it is still in good shape, the tech will clean the nozzle and reinstall it.

The fins between the heat exchanger are a common area for soot and other debris to collect, so the tech will use a special brush to clean between the fins and make sure that the heated air from the firebox can pass through without any problem. Cleaning the fins and tubs also offers the tech a chance to check them for damage and ensure that the heat exchanger works correctly. 

Adjusting the Controller

The controller on the boiler that meters the correct fuel and air in the firebox may need some adjustment. If the nozzle flow changes as a result of cleaning or replacing it, the controller will need to change. The burner service tech can adjust the controller for you to get the most performance and maintaining efficiency at the same time. 

Once the boiler is up and running again, keeping it serviced will extend the life of the boiler and reduce the cost of operating it.

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