HYDRO-LOGIC INC. - The Cost of Boiler Scale

The Effects of Scale in Boilers

Did you know that 1/8" thickness of scale can increase your fuel consumption in boiler by 18%?

Table showing losses in boiler efficiency due to scale.

Thickness of scale in inches	Percentage loss of efficiency	Coal wasted per ton	Oil wasted per 1000 gallons	Gas wasted per cu ft
1/64 or .01562 thick	4%	80 lbs.	40 gallons	40 cu ft.
1/32 or .03124 thick	7%	140 lbs.	70 gallons	70 cu ft.
1/16 or .06248 thick	11%	220 lbs.	110 gallons	110 cu ft.
1/8 or .125 thick	18%	360 lbs.	180 gallons	180 cu ft.
3/16 or .1875 thick	27%	540 lbs.	270 gallons	270 cu ft.
1/4 or .25 thick	38%	760 lbs.	380 gallons	380 cu ft.
3/8 or .375 thick	48%	960 lbs.	480 gallons	480 cu ft.
1/2 or .5 thick	60%	1200 lbs.	600 gallons	600 cu ft.
5/8 or .625 thick	74%	1480 lbs.	740 gallons	740 cu ft.
3/4 or .75 thick	80%	1800 lbs.	900 gallons	900 cu ft.

Metric

Thickness of Scale	Increase in fuel consumption due to this scale
0.05 mm (1/64")	4%
1 mm (1/32")	7%
2 mm (1/16")	11%
3.65 mm (1/8")	18%
6.25 mm (1/4")	38%
12.7 mm (1/2")	60%
19.5 mm (3/4")	80%
25.4 mm (1")	Over 90%

Proper water treatment can help in reducing these costs by minimum 20%.

BOILER WATER TREATMENT IS ONE AREA IN WHICH YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MAKE MISTAKES.