How can a Boiler Tune Up Improve Efficiency and Save on Costs?

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A boiler tune-up can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce costs by optimizing combustion parameters. Lowering the O2 level to 2% and reducing the exhaust temperature rise to 87.5°F can improve the boiler's efficiency from 81% to 87.8%. This adjustment can lead to annual fuel savings of approximately $5,011, based on the current gas usage and costs. The calculations indicate a reduction in fuel consumption of about 0.162332 MCF per hour. Implementing these changes not only improves efficiency but also results in substantial cost savings for the manufacturing plant.
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Homework Statement


BTU input: 2.5 MMBtu/hr
Annual Gas usage: 8,525 MMBtu
Average Natural Gas Cost (Previous 12 months): $7.59/MMBtu

Manufacturing Plant – 7am-7pm, 7 days/week, 50 weeks/yr
Assembly/warehouse - 7:00am-10:00pm, 7 days/week, 363 days/yr

The gas analyzer was used to check the O2 and temperature of the boiler exhaust during the on-site visit. The O2 level was found to be 10% and the exhaust temperature rise was 510°F.
a.) How would you go about doing a Boiler Tune up for the following system? Be specific to what values and specifications you alter.
b.) What is the cost savings from improving the efficiency.

Homework Equations


a.)[/B]
nyz9de.png

b.)
ΔFuel Used = (new - old / new) (Old Fuel Used)

The Attempt at a Solution


a.) My recommendation is to lower the O2 level to 2% and lower the exhaust temperature rise to 87.5 to create an efficiency of 87.8% from the existing 81%. Is this possible and if so, does my readings seem right? I used the graph below. Also, is there anything else we can do to make it more efficient such as a different BTU input?
b.) (50 weeks * 7 days * 12 hours) = 4200 hours, & $7.59 MMBtu / 1.032 MCF = $7.35 per MCF
(64,704.75 Cost Year) / (4200hrs)($7.35) = 2.0960 MCF per hour
Fuel Used = (87.8 - 81 / 87.8) (2.0960) = .162332 MCF per hour
Savings = (.162332/hr)(4200 hrs/year)(7.35/MCF) = $5011/yr

I know this is a good bit of info in one problem, so I really do appreciate any feedback on this. Thanks so much.
 
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