Boiler room solution provider Cleaver-Brooks’ ClearFire-CE (CFC-E) fully condensing hydronic boiler has been named a finalist for the US Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2019 Product of the Year.

The awards programme spotlights innovative new products that continue to raise the bar for the industry. The winner is voted on by industry professionals.

Nominated in the boilers and chillers category, the CFC-E condensing boiler achieves up to 99% efficiency in all operating conditions and features system design flexibility. The boiler achieves industry-high efficiency, owing to its enhanced AluFer firetube heat exchanger and dual temperature returns. When used, dual temperature returns increase condensing in a hot water boiler, raising efficiency by 6% or more, compared with a traditional single-return design. The dual return feature also offers system engineering flexibility for efficient integration into any building design.

The product design of the CFC-E makes it easy for engineers to incorporate it into a retrofit design or a new construction project because there are no flow limitations to consider. Optimum efficiency can be achieved without the need to satisfy multiple boiler design constraints. Another design aspect that makes the CFC-E simple to engineer is its large-water-volume pressure vessel with low pressure drop. This type of design eliminates flow restrictions and reduces system pumping energy.

“The low-flow-tolerant design makes the CFC-E ideal for primary-variable-flow pumping systems and protects the boiler from overheating or potential erosion issues, owing to higher flow rates,” says ClearFire Products product sales manager Catie VanWormer.

She adds that, owing to the CFC-E’s high delta-T compatibility, it can handle the lowest possible return water temperature, increasing its condensing potential and operating efficiency.

A low emissions premix burner is built into the CFC-E. The self-regulating, gas valve/venturi system, combined with electronically commutated motor variable-speed blower technology delivers true linear modulation control with optimum turndown for hydronic systems. The burner automatically adjusts for combustion air density changes, resulting in a consistent fuel-air ratio performance without additional actuators and controls.

The CFC-E features the Cleaver-Brooks Falcon control that has a built-in ability to control lead-lag, outdoor air reset, automatic isolation valves, primary pumps and building management system integration.

Constructed of duplex stainless steel, the CFC-E performs well in hydronic systems with a variety of design temperatures. It features excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand thermal stock. It fits through a standard doorway, and the side casings can be removed easily for passage through tight-access areas.