EGBs 101: How They Work and Their Benefits

The basic operation of an EGB or Exhaust Gas Boiler is an apparatus that can recover waste heat from engine exhaust gases into useful steam or hot water. The process results in increased energy efficiency, reduced operating expenses, and low environmental impacts.

the basic operation of EGBs applies in the recovery of high temperature gases ejected from the engine, mainly diesel or gas engines. The tubes of the boiler usually pass very high-temperature gases, normally in excess of 400°C, which are the exhaust gases. Circulation of water or steam occurs inside the boiler tubes. It absorbs the heat from the exhaust gases passing through them. Because of the heat, water boils to produce steam, or in other cases, it may be directly heating the water to produce hot water. Gases that have now become cool are discharged into the atmosphere at a considerably lower temperature.

Classification of Exhaust Gas Boilers

Fire-tube Boilers: Hot exhaust gases flow via water-surrounded tubes. Boilers of this type are used in lesser applications and are designed more simply. Water-tube Boilers: Water circulates inside tubes that can be surrounded by hot exhaust gases. Boilers of this type are used in larger applications and support higher pressures and temperatures. Advantages of Exhaust Gas Boilers

Energy Efficiency: EGBs contribute to significant improvement in the overall energy efficiency of a system through the recovery of waste heat generated in the system, otherwise lost. This may lead to substantial fuel-saving, thereby leading to a reduction in energy costs.

Cost Economy: Recovered heat in the boiler can be utilized for steam generation or hot water for various industrial applications, space heating, or domestic hot water supply, thereby reducing additional fuel or electricity consumption.

Reduced Emission: EGBs save fuel and hence reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions linked to fuel combustion.

Space-saving: Owing to their compact nature, EGBs can be fitted into existing systems, hence saving space.

Flexibility: EGBs can be installed in various fields like power generation, marine applications, manufacturing and oil as well as the gas industry.

Applications of Exhaust Gas Boilers

Combined Heat and Power Systems: CHP systems will have EGBs as integral units, recovering waste heat coming out of the engines to generate extra electricity as well as heat. Marine Applications: EGBs apply on ships for steam production, used for propulsion, electrical generation, and heating. Industrial Processes: EGBs are capable of supplying steam or hot water for different industrial purposes such as drying, cleaning, sterilization, and heating.

District heating: One of the possible district heating applications of EGBs is supplying hot water for the space heating and domestic hot water needs of several buildings.

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