Boiler feed systems rely on pumps and sensors to control and maintain the water level in the boiler. Various sensor technologies are available to achieve this each with different advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the correct method to control boiler system water levels is important to optimize economic operating efficiency.
Variable Speed Pumps with Direct Level Control for Boiler Systems
Maintaining the water level in the boiler is the main function of any level control system. Variable speed pumps combined with a continuous level sensor having a 4-20 mA output provide direct level control in boiler systems without the need for a modulating valve. Variable speed pumps combined with direct level control ensure that:
- The water level remains constant
- The water intake adjusts automatically and continuously according to steam consumption
- At low level, the pumps run at full speed and decrease as the water level increases until reaching a maximum level setpoint, thus bypass is not necessary
Boiler feed systems with variable speed pumps and direct level control operate efficiently and smoothly for both small and large types of steam boilers and will minimize the risk of carry-over and over-boiling.
Benefits of Variable Speed Pumps with Control to Boiler Systems
There are many benefits of using variable speed pumps to control boiler water levels. Customer benefits include:
- Reduced capital expenditures – no need to purchase a control valve and bypass. Smaller pumps can do the job without needing to overcome pressure loss across a control valve.
- Reduced operating expenses – less maintenance expenses without the need for a control valve. Removing bypass and control valve reduces energy costs.
- Improved quality – maintaining a constant water level provides higher steam quality.
- Faster reaction time – a variable speed pump reacts quicker going from 0 to 100% flow and automatically adjusts down again at least 10 times faster than using a control valve. Provides control and regulation of critical parameters.
- Protection of pump and equipment – less stress on the pump, motor, and system protects equipment and provides overload protection of motor and electronics.
- Increased comfort and reduced noise – no water hammering, reduced noise from installation and constant pressure.
Grundfos I-Solutions Boiler Feed Pumps and Component Requirements
Working with an experienced pump and process equipment supplier can help you determine the exact type of pump and components required for direct level control in your boiler system. Grundfos variable frequency drives provide automatic, reliable flow adjustment based on actual demand. Variable frequency drive (VFD) pumps provide significant power savings and control the frequency of electrical power supplied to the pumps.
Grundfos solutions include a boiler feed pump with an MLE motor or a boiler feed pump with a standard motor and CUE drive. The CUE is an external VFD that provides solutions to a broad range of Grundfos pumps. Grundfos I-Solutions pumps include the internal MLE or external CUE variable frequency drives.
IPE Offers Grundfos I-Solutions and VFD Installation
Illinois Process Equipment, IPE, is a premier pump and process equipment supplier provider, service, and repair facility, providing fully integrated industrial pump solutions. We offer quality pumps from the best brands available including Grundfos. IPE offers complete process equipment system design, installation, and testing.
IPE is a leading pump and process equipment facility providing custom system design and services serving the Chicago area. We offer in-depth market expertise including experience with boiler systems that improve capital and operating expenses and efficiencies. Contact us to learn more about direct level control for boiler feed systems with Grundfos pumping solutions.
