High-voltage electrode boilers are now available at outputs extending well into the tens of megawatts. However, the required output is only one part of the specification. Available floor space, building height, and retrofit limitations can influence which boiler configuration makes the most sense.
Depending on the application, the available choices can include horizontal or vertical immersed-electrode boilers for hot water, along with vertical immersed-electrode and jet-type designs for steam.
Horizontal or Vertical for Hot Water
For hot-water applications, the comparison between horizontal and vertical configurations is straightforward because both utilize immersed-electrode technology.
Immersed-electrode boilers operate with the electrodes submerged in water at a selected conductivity. Electric current passes through the water between the electrodes and counter electrodes, and the resistance of the water generates heat directly.
The difference between the horizontal and vertical versions is how that boiler capacity is physically accommodated. This becomes especially important in a retrofit, says Robert Presser, President of ACME Engineering.
Horizontal immersed-electrode boilers can have a distinct advantage if height is a concern. ACME’s horizontal boiler configurations typically extend to approximately 10 to 12 MW and can be limited to about 3.5 meters in height.
However, at some point output requirements can push the design in the other direction. When substantially greater output is required, a vertical configuration becomes necessary. For example, ACME’s CEJW immersed-electrode hot-water line ranges from 2.5 MW up to 68 MW.
Steam Changes the Selection
With steam, the choice is between jet-type and immersed-electrode technology. Both are vertical.
In the CEJS jet-type boiler, the amount of steam produced is controlled by raising or lowering a control sleeve that diverts selected water jets back to the lower portion of the boiler. The CEJS provides control from zero to 100% of boiler capacity and can reach full output from hot standby in approximately one minute. Jet-type boilers are also available for higher steam pressures. ACME lists CEJS operating pressures from 75 to 500 psig.
The Immersed-Electrode Steam Option
The vertical immersed-electrode steam boiler accomplishes the same basic task without directing water jets at electrode targets. From hot standby, the immersed-electrode boiler can reach full load in approximately one minute; from a cold start, full load is reached in approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
For more information, contact:
Robert Presser at Acme Engineering at e-mail: rpresser@acmeprod.com, phone: +1 (518) 236-5659, or web: https://acmeprod.com/high-voltage-electrode-steam-boiler/.