Steam Generation in talks to expand on boiler distribution

25th January 2019 By: Thabi Shomolekae - Creamer Media Senior Writer

Steam Generation in talks to expand on boiler distribution

STEAM GENERATOR Each Cochran boiler features a robust design and construction, ensuring a long operational life and maximum efficiency

Heat and energy generation equipment provider Steam Generation Africa says it is in talks with a small- to mid-range biomass boiler manufacturer to distribute into the South African and African markets this year.

Owing to biomass being readily available and the possibility to produce it as a renewable resource, biomass boilers will likely produce best results when used at sawmills (in the form of wood shavings and/or offcuts), sugar mills, large producers of sunflower seed, cashews, coffee, oats (husk), breweries and plant or oil extraction plants.

Biomass is generally waste from the production process, so if it can be used in the production of steam and heat, it becomes very cost effective. In cases of very large and sustainable biomass producers thermal and electrical energy can be generated.

Steam Generation MD John Rundle states that Steam Generation is the exclusive distributor of industrial boiler specialist Cochran UK’s boilers from Annan in Scotland, together with the fuel saving flue gas economisers.

“Steam Generation has partnered with Cochran because all its boilers are developed with more than 140 years of experience gained at the forefront of the industry – each boiler features a robust design and construction ensuring a long operational life and maximum efficiency.”

Steam Generation supplies the Cochran Coalmaster; natural gas, light oil and heavy oil steam, newly designed, competitive hot water boilers – for the African market only and available from the second quarter of 2019 ­– and heat recovery boilers. The company will be holding stock of selected Cochran Borderer steam boilers at its workshop in Midrand from next month.

Meanwhile, Rundle points out that the company is active in the coal boiler market. “Where and when clients have no access to natural gas, the Cochran Coalmaster boiler is locally assembled with valves, fittings and pumps, together with its easy-to-use, high-functionality, energy-balanced control system designed and developed by a leading combustion engineer in South Africa.” This offer includes mobile and Internet communications between the boiler, operator and manager with comprehensive reporting capabilities to ensure minimised fuel cost, maximum steam supply and general boiler operation management.

Projects Completed in 2018

Its involvement in successful conversion projects saw Steam Generation involved in three projects in 2018, involving the conversion of clients from coal-fired to natural gas-fired packaged steam boilers. This is owing to the continual environmental-impact pressures, global influences and difficulty in obtaining decent coal grades, says Rundle.

He explains that the conversion projects entailed finding a suitable natural gas supplier of either piped gas or compressed gas, as well as performing feasibility studies to compare the cost of generating steam using either coal or natural gas and, in some cases, light and heavy oil.

The projects were timeously completed last month and the success of the projects was a delight for the company, Rundle notes.

Steam Generation supplied and installed a Cochran Wee Chieftain 2 500 kg/h 10 bar dual-fired natural gas/diesel package steam boiler, with Autoflame mini MK8 combustion control system and flue gas economiser.

It also completed the supply and installation of a Cochran ST36 8 000 kg/h 10 bar natural gas-fired package steam boiler complete with Autoflame mini MK8 combustion control system and flue gas economiser.

Steam Generation also supplied and installed a new Cochran Wee Chieftain 5 000 kg/h 10 bar dual-fired natural gas/diesel package steam boiler complete with Autoflame mini MK8 combustion control system and flue gas economiser.

Rundle concludes that Steam Generation offers a total turnkey project solution – supported by a comprehensive range of spare parts, after-sale services and package burner services/repairs – and strives to be the best.