The efficiency and cost benefits of using gas in a range of process heating applications are widely acknowledged. However, according to a leading manufacturer in the field, close attention to servicing and maintenance throughout the equipment’s lifetime is often crucial if the advantages anticipated at installation are to be fully realised.
In response, Lanemark Combustion Engineering has developed its BurnerCare service. The manufacturer of process gas burner systems, with proven oven and tank heating installations operating worldwide, believes the servicing element is sufficiently important to have created a specialist “BurnerCare” division which oversees and provides a long list of key services for customers.
Lanemark sales director Jeff Foster says: “Our experience has shown that the needs of process gas burner operators in this context fall under three clear headings: initial installation; through commissioning and servicing; and then aftercare. The structure of BurnerCare is designed to combine these factors into a single concept –it is a package that can be shaped to meet each individual customers’ needs.”
Lanemark says that its burner installation service extends beyond the delivery and assembly of system components at site. In many cases, its involvement starts with a site survey that draws together factors such as potential energy savings, and guidance on health and safety issues and the provision of risk assessments and method statements, in addition to initial combustion system configuration options. This makes possible the optimum selection of burner model and capacity and factors such as the bespoke design of heat exchangers, where required.
“With a tank heating installation, for example, we are looking to make sure the submerged tube layout helps to create a system in excess of 80% efficient,” says Mr Foster. The company’s own design software can model each installation long before any equipment arrives with the customer. “This guides us to the ideal selection of mechanical, electrical and control assemblies, which can vary dramatically depending on the targeted performance requirements, the operational environment and also on whether we are meeting the needs of a new or refurbished installation,” he says.
Commissioning is fundamental to each project and Lanemark makes sure that this is undertaken in the most efficient way under the BurnerCare framework. The company extends this part of its service to users of other types of process gas burner facilities – so even if a non-Lanemark design is involved, the company can still provide support.
Mr Foster says that the third element of the BurnerCare service – continuing aftercare – is often seen as fundamental. A carefully shaped programme can not only help to guarantee long-term efficient burner performance but can also bring tangible benefits to users, he says. From the supply of consumables and spares, to burner operating manuals in a range of languages, confidence in a system’s configuration is enhanced.
“In many cases, a programme is best managed via a planned service agreement structure that incorporates a pre-booked series of maintenance activities undertaken by engineers who are ACS-qualified, Gas Safe and Corgi-registered,” says Mr Foster. The company is able to provide training to customers for their own basic burner system maintenance.
“However, if an operational issue occurs that requires an immediate response, we provide 24-hour engineer call-out using fully equipped service vehicles, operating in conjunction with a dedicated telephone helpline,” he adds.
As with every element of operational plant, users must take full account not just of initial project costs but also those relating to extended performance. “The take-up of our BurnerCare packages is a clear pointer that this view is at the heart of many of the installations which we supply, and adds up to peace of mind and confidence in each system’s continuing efficiency and reliability,” says Mr Foster.