Collaborating with AES for Enhanced Thermal Combustion: Reduce Fuel Expenses, Enhance Steam Power Plant Efficiency
In the world of steam generation, energy efficiency and cost savings are paramount. Associated Energy Services (AES), a leading specialist in steam and boiler operations and maintenance, has demonstrated the benefits of outsourcing thermal combustion optimization.
AES, under the guidance of Projects Director Gavin Evezard and Commercial Director Dennis Williams, invests heavily in training and equal-opportunity development. They apply one proven standard across every site and pass new learnings straight on. This consistent approach has led to significant improvements in energy efficiency and cost savings for their clients.
One of the key advantages of AES's services is their ability to uncover hidden losses and inefficiencies. A site audit by AES often uncovers air leaks that push hot gases and profit up the stack, fuel-oil sludge blocking filters and burners, under-grate dampers and draft controls left uncalibrated, and emission-abatement systems running below spec. These issues, which seldom surface until an unscheduled outage occurs, are addressed proactively by AES, preventing costly downtime and enhancing operational reliability.
By optimizing energy systems, AES has achieved a 35% reduction in fuel use, directly translating into cost savings and reduced CO2 emissions. This is particularly significant in the context of steam generation, where fuel costs are a major component of the overall expense. By improving condensate return, water treatment, and overall boiler-house management, AES helps plants improve their overall efficiency, leading to reduced operational expenses and enhanced environmental performance.
AES's optimization strategies have been shown to improve the availability of steam plants, which is crucial for maintaining continuous operations without unexpected downtime. This availability, combined with reduced steam costs, enhances the profitability and reliability of the plant.
Data from AES is turned into actionable insights for improvement. By logging critical variables such as oxygen, stack temperature, blow-down rate, and water chemistry, AES can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted optimizations, enhancing troubleshooting capabilities and driving further efficiency gains.
Remote monitoring and AI help on gas- and oil-fired units, but coal systems require experienced operators for fluctuating fuel quality. AES provides specialist oversight for managing the complex chain of steam generation, ensuring that plants operate at peak efficiency.
AES operates more boilers than any single client and is South Africa's leading specialist in steam and boiler operations and maintenance, supporting clients in various industries. A recent multi-site engagement delivered 21% fuel savings at one plant and 35% at another through thermal combustion optimization alone.
By outsourcing thermal combustion optimization to AES, businesses can tap into expert knowledge and experience, leading to tailored solutions that address specific plant challenges and opportunities. This expertise can lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency, cost savings, and operational reliability, making it a valuable strategy for businesses looking to enhance their energy management capabilities.
- Associated Energy Services (AES), a leading specialist in steam and boiler operations and maintenance, has demonstrated the benefits of outsourcing thermal combustion optimization, particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, as their consistent approach has led to significant improvements in energy efficiency and cost savings for their clients.
- AES's optimization strategies have been instrumental in reducing fuel use by up to 35%, translating into cost savings and fewer CO2 emissions, a crucial factor in industries that rely heavily on steam generation, such as manufacturing and energy, where fuel costs contribute significantly to the overall expense.
- The expertise and experience provided by AES in managing complex steam generation chains can enhance the efficiency of plants in various industries, leading to improved operational reliability and reduced downtime, essential for maintaining continuous operations.
- By outsourcing to AES, businesses across several industries can gain access to expert knowledge and tailored solutions, resulting in improvements in energy efficiency, cost savings, and operational reliability, making it an important strategy in energy management and business operations.
