What is typically monitored to assess the efficiency of a steam boiler?

Assessing the efficiency of a steam boiler often involves monitoring combustion efficiency. This measures how effectively the fuel is converted into usable energy, which directly impacts the boiler's performance. High combustion efficiency indicates that the boiler is burning fuel effectively, minimizing waste and maximizing the steam output. Factors such as excess air, fuel type, and operating conditions can all influence combustion efficiency, making it a critical parameter to monitor.

While water hardness, feedwater temperature, and stack temperature are important operational factors, they serve different functions. Water hardness relates to the quality of the water being used, which can affect scaling and maintenance but does not directly indicate how efficiently the boiler runs. Feedwater temperature influences efficiency to some extent but isn’t the primary indicator of how well the boiler is combusting fuel. Stack temperature gives insight into heat loss and can indicate efficiency issues, but again, it is combustion efficiency that provides the clearest view of how well the machine is functioning in terms of fuel usage and steam production. Understanding combustion efficiency helps operators make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal boiler performance.