Industrial electric boilers: 7 fundamental requirements for installation

One of the most important requirements for the installation of an industrial high voltage electric electrode boiler is the connection to the medium voltage network: 6 kV – 24 kV.

These boilers require an adequate infrastructure to ensure a stable and sufficient power supply. Unlike low voltage boilers, which require a more complex installation due to the use of multiple cables per phase, medium voltage boilers simplify this process by connecting directly to the grid.

In addition, the electrical power required must be taken into account, since the boilers can operate with power ranging from 5 MW to 60 MW, which corresponds to a steam generation capacity of between 7.5 Tn/h and 90 Tn/h.

The control of the industrial electric boiler is crucial for its efficient and safe operation. These boilers are equipped with a control panel based on Siemens S7-1500F PLC technology. This system allows the complete regulation of the boiler, from power to pressure, by means of a TP1500 HMI touch screen for easy monitoring and control. Integration with higher-level control systems via Profinet enables communication with other parts of the plant system.

The ability to adjust the operating range between 5% and 100% power in a matter of minutes, both in hot and cold start-up, is an important advantage of this type of boiler, ensuring a quick response to plant demands.

The feed water must have a conductivity of less than 2 μS/cm, which is essential to avoid damage to internal components and ensure optimum steam generation. The boiler includes an automatic blowdown system to blow down the water when the conductivity exceeds the set limit.

Proper water treatment, according to EN12593-10 specifications, is crucial to maintain boiler performance. A water temperature of 102°C and 0.5 Barg is recommended for proper operation.

The industrial electric boilers have a cylindrical and vertical design, with the electrodes suspended in the upper chamber of the boiler.

They have 150mm (50mm+100mm) rock wool insulation and painted aluminum cladding, ensuring high thermal efficiency and operational safety.

To ensure proper boiler water conductivity, a NaOH (sodium hydroxide) chemical dosing system is included.

This system is used only during boiler start-up to raise the conductivity to operating levels. Once normal operating conditions are reached, it is not necessary to continue dosing chemicals.

Each boiler is equipped with two circulation pumps and frequency converters. This system allows alternate operation of the pumps, but in the event that a pump fails or needs service, the boiler must be shut down during the maintenance period.

The hot keeping system is a feature to minimize boiler start-up time. A heating element is used to keep the boiler at temperature during standby mode, allowing the boiler to go from low load to 100% output in just 2 minutes. This system also activates the circulation pumps periodically to ensure a constant flow of water.