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Stack Temperature and Boiler Efficiency

Operating pressure, firing rate, and ambient temperature all affect stack temperature readings and need to be considered when evaluating boiler efficiency based on stack temperature. A clean, well-tuned boiler firing at 100% capacity at 10 psig pressure and 80°F ambient temperature would typically show a 320°F stack temperature, equating to 85% efficiency. Raising the pressure to 125 psig would increase the stack reading to 453°F but still reflect 83% efficiency. Lower firing rates result in lower stack temperatures as less heat enters the heat exchanger. Accounting for these key criteria allows for an accurate assessment of how stack temperature impacts efficiency.

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120 views1 page

Stack Temperature and Boiler Efficiency

Operating pressure, firing rate, and ambient temperature all affect stack temperature readings and need to be considered when evaluating boiler efficiency based on stack temperature. A clean, well-tuned boiler firing at 100% capacity at 10 psig pressure and 80°F ambient temperature would typically show a 320°F stack temperature, equating to 85% efficiency. Raising the pressure to 125 psig would increase the stack reading to 453°F but still reflect 83% efficiency. Lower firing rates result in lower stack temperatures as less heat enters the heat exchanger. Accounting for these key criteria allows for an accurate assessment of how stack temperature impacts efficiency.

Uploaded by

Sagar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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TIP SHEET:

February 2011

Stack Temperature & Efficiency:


The Relationship
Appreciating the relationship of stack temperature to boiler energy efficiency boils down to
a matter of degrees Fahrenheit (F). The key is understanding the basis by which one can
properly evaluate the condition.
Most people understand that stack temperatures which are excessively high typically
indicate that Btu’s (fuel dollars) are emitting out the stack and are not being applied to
productive use in the process or comfort heating load. This might be true or it might not--
it depends on the criteria by which the gross stack temperature is derived.
To best understand how stack temperature affects efficiency, you need to be aware of
three (3) essential criteria that form the baseline, and from here establish whether or not
your boiler is losing efficiency, needlessly.
The criteria are
Get the best efficiency from your 1. Operating pressure
boiler by understanding stack
2. Firing Rate
temperature. (CBWG Premium
Boiler pictured above) 3. Ambient temperature in the boiler room

Operating pressure
The operating pressure of the boiler coincides with a specific saturated steam
temperature. For instance, 100 psig is the same as 338 degrees F.
Normally, as the operating pressure increases, the stack temperature in a clean, well-
tuned boiler will also increase, anywhere from 75 to 100 degrees over the saturated
steam temperature. As an example, a 350-horsepower boiler burning natural gas, firing
at 100%, 10 psig operating, and with an 80 degree F ambient, will indicate a stack
temperature of approximately 320 degrees F. This equates to a boiler efficiency of about
85%.
Raising the operating pressure to 125 psig under the same conditions increases the stack
temperature to approximately 453 degrees F, reflecting an efficiency of approximately 83%
Stack Thermometer
in the clean, well-tuned boiler.
Steam Pressure Gauge
Firing Rate
If we are looking at stack temperature as one of our primary indicators for determining
boiler efficiency, it is imperative to realize the lower the firing rate in a boiler, the lower
the stack temperature will be. This is because you are putting less heat into the heat
exchanger (boiler).

Ambient temperature
This is the temperature in the boiler room that adds to the gross stack reading. As the
ambient temperature climbs, so does the stack temperature indication on the gage.
Being aware of these criteria, and applying (logging) them will now put you in a position to
properly evaluate stack temperature and its effect on efficiency.
It is extremely important that the baseline begins with a clean well-tuned boiler. After
that is confirmed, then log respective stack temperatures against the criteria noted
above. For every 40 degree F elevation above the baseline, you have lost one
percent in efficiency.
It’s all a matter of degrees…

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