Tag: steam boiler

4 Questions About Steam Boilers Answered sadsad

Posted on by Multi Mode

Here at Tomlinson Energy Service, we are passionate about steam boilers – they are a major part of our business. We are experts at boiler maintenance, repair, and installation, and we thrive on being Australia’s foremost packaged boiler and energy system specialists.

Whether you’re a history or engineering buff, a boiler worker, or in the market for a boiler, you might have a few questions about how they work, what their function or role is in our lives, or where to look for professional boiler expertise. Keep reading to find the answers to all your questions!

What is a Steam Boiler?

In essence, a boiler is a piece of machinery characterised by a pressurised vessel that transmits heat to water, in order to produce steam. This sounds simple enough, but a boiler is actually made up of many different parts that function together to produce the steam for its required purpose. You can read on to learn about how steam-powered boilers work, but also make sure to check out the history and various different types of boilers in our comprehensive article all about them!

How do Steam Boilers Work?

So far, we’ve learnt that boilers produce and store steam. But how do they do this? It’s actually quite a simple principle, hence why they have such a long history, dating all the way back in their simplest form to the 17th century! As we’ve outlined, one of the major features of boilers is a vessel that holds water. The vessel is then heated by a fuel, (this is generally Natural Gas ), which then produces hot gasses. These gasses heat the vessel and the water inside which leads to the production of steam.

Steam, as the name suggests, is essential to the function of this piece of machinery, as it is then funnelled through pipes to be used for different purposes.

What Are Steam Boilers Used For?

Maybe you’re familiar with boilers in theory, but are you aware of the functions they perform? Given they have such a long history, it’s no surprise that steam-powered boilers have had, and still have many uses in the world around us. One of the major functions of boilers through the years has been to heat homes, as well as workplaces like offices, hospitals, and retail spaces. In addition, it will be no surprise that the steam-powered train, (also known as a locomotive), is powered by a steam boiler!

Read on to find out some of the more surprising things that are powered by these boilers.

Aquariums: Did you know that aquariums rely on boilers to properly regulate the temperature in their tanks? A large aquarium like the one in Melbourne’s CBD has numerous exhibitions with many tanks containing a variety of different species of sea- life. These animals require differing water temperatures in order to survive, and the system maintaining and regulating these temperatures is often a boiler powered by steam.

Labs and Hospitals: These essential clinical and medical facilities also rely on boilers for different functions. A large use for boilers in these settings is heating, as they are often large facilities that can be quite cold, so they require a large amount of reliable heat to warm them. In addition, steam-powered boilers can be used for sterilisation purposes, which is critical to the safe operation of a hospital or laboratory.

Brewing: Are you a beer fan? It might surprise you to know that one of the most important features of a brewery is a steam powered boiler. As beer is brewed in large vessels, these require efficient and complete sanitisation. What piece of machinery powers the sanitisation process? You guessed it: the steam boiler.

How Can I Be Safe Around Steam Boilers?

Like any piece of machinery, steam-powered boilers pose a safety risk and as such, safety must be the top consideration at all times. There are particular safety protocols that you must be aware of when it comes to these boilers, and it’s important that you understand your Occupational Health and Safety obligations and responsibilities. It is essential that you deal with experts in steam boilers, and that you follow the safety rules and regulations laid out by your state.

Looking for a Steam Boiler Expert?

Here at Tomlinson Energy Service, we maintain, repair, and install steam boilers with reliable and personal service. A proud member of the Environmental Group Limited (EGL), Tomlinson Energy Service is committed to sustainability and is backed by more than 100 years of engineering and service experience.

For all your steam-powered boiler needs, contact us by calling +61 3 8560 0419, or by filling out our online contact form and we will happily take care of your enquiry.

Celebrating 40 Years of Boiler Service sadsad

Posted on by Multi Mode

Tomlinson started in Western Australia, in 1892. This year will be our 130th year of existence and a significant milestone in the company’s history. One of our dedicated employees, Darryl Burnes, has been part of the Tomlinson Team for 40 of those years! Darryl applied for the job in February 1982 after a suggestion from his brother-in-law, who was a service manager at the time. His application was successful and began his long journey as a tube cleaner. In 1982, boilers in the Sydney area were being converted from diesel oil firing to natural gas. There was plenty of boiler work there for Darryl to do.

At the time, Tomlinson was known as ‘Tomlinson Steel PTY LTD’ and was located at Sydney Street, Marrickville. The area would not be recognisable today. Once the centre of the industry, Marrickville is now home to large apartment complexes. The business was bought out by Clyde Industries and moved to Granville, this was followed by a sale to Centurion Industries, in the 90’s, further relocating operations to Smithfield. Darryl moved with the company. By the ’90s, tube cleaning was almost a thing of the past. Darryl moved on to doing refractory repairs, brickwork and boiler re-tubing. Rather than going home at night covered in soot, he was going home covered in refractory concrete dust.

Later, Tomlinson was bought out by RCR and rebadged to RCR Energy Service. The business travelled to Wetherill Park and then to Seven Hills. Darryl continued expanding his skills. He became further involved in stock and stores, on-call servicing, annual boiler services and scheduling work when service coordinators were away.

In 2019 RCR Energy service was bought by EGL Group. It took on the name of Tomlinson Energy Service. This meant Darryl was relocating again. In total, he relocated over seven times and watched the company transition across five different owners during his 40 years of service. Darryl has worked under eight (8) different state managers, over twelve (12) service managers and over 150 fellow service technicians. He has seen off numerous CEOs. Too many to recollect.

Boiler technology has significantly advanced over the years, making Darryl a master of servicing many different types and models. He has gained a wealth of knowledge of boiler components and locations. If you are unsure of what boiler is at what site Darryl will tell you off the top of his head.

Darryl has described the current management team and work colleagues as the best he has worked with in his time at Tomlinson. However, after 40 years he is considering moving on. On behalf of everyone at Tomlinson Energy Service, I congratulate Darryl on reaching such a significant milestone. When he eventually decides to hang up the boots, we wish him all the best in his retirement.

Darryl Burnes 40 years in the boiler industry at Tomlinson Energy

Tomlinson Energy Service provides a complete repair and maintenance service for boilers 24/7, 365 days a year. Our experienced team of specialists will deliver unparalleled boiler repair and boiler maintenance service on-site to ensure your boilers continue to work at optimal capacity for as long as possible. 

Get in contact with us at Tomlinson Energy Service via our contact form or call us at +61 3 8560 0419 to ensure smooth steam water boiler service and repair.  

Why Steam Boiler Industries Matter Now: The Impact of COVID-19 sadsad

Posted on by Multi Mode

A variety of businesses rely on steam boilers and hot water boilers to continue operating during the time of COVID-19. 

COVID-19 has left a devastating impact across the globe, severely affecting businesses, industries, and the lives of people everywhere. 

Lockdowns and curfews have caused immense hardship to businesses, causing many to close their doors and others to struggle to survive with what resources they have left. Manufacturing companies throughout Australia and around the world are making every effort to keep their operations running while maintaining health and safety standards. 

Currently, both fears and opportunities exist within the steam and boiler industry because of the current financial climate. As the pandemic grows in intensity, companies are seeking solutions to their energy systems that can survive lockdowns and curfews-and steam boilers remain one of the most reliable energy sources available.

Power plant steam boilers

Industry definition of steam boilers & heat exchangers

A primary focus of this industry is the manufacturing of steam boilers and heat exchangers. Heat exchangers are devices that transfer thermal energy between two fluids while keeping them separated. Boilers are closed vessels that heat fluids. In the energy, industrial, and commercial markets, boilers and heat exchangers are widely used.

However, despite the fact that the boiler industry primarily focuses on manufacturing boilers, maintenance is a key aspect of the field. 

To maintain their efficiency, boilers need regular maintenance. When they are not maintained, they become less and less efficient, and they eventually may pose a danger in the form of leaks or even explosions to those who are working around them.

Maintenance is one aspect of the industry that has been impacted.

In many countries and across Australia, social distancing and lockdowns have made it difficult for steam and boiler maintenance companies to provide services such as routine inspections and maintenance. 

Despite these challenges, a few boiler repair businesses have remained open, and have issued statements and protocols on COVID-19 and continue to offer their services.

Fortunately, many of them have vowed to stay in their industries. Business professionals are doing their very best to provide industrial boiler maintenance, handle emergency shutdowns, or perform scheduled boiler maintenance.

The role of steam boilers in essential sectors

In spite of its financial impact, COVID-19 has provided steam and boiler manufacturers with numerous opportunities. 

Steam and hot water are produced by steam boilers and hot water boilers for a variety of essential services. As well as being crucial to homes, they are also vital for hospitals, manufacturing businesses, and power plants. 

Safe operation of boilers is essential to the following sectors and assets:

            Hospitals and Pharmaceutical Companies. Boilers provide a variety of essential services to hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, including the provision of heat to hospital buildings as well as steam sterilization and manufacturing and maintaining the drug production lines. Hospitals are required to regularly repair boiler systems and boilers in order to ensure proper operation with an increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

            Food Processing Industries. In order to create and process food, food processing businesses are dedicated to boilers – without properly functioning boilers, many food processing facilities would likely come to a standstill. 

            Power Plants and Industrial Buildings. In addition to electric power plants and industrial buildings, steam boilers play an important role in almost any industrial or power generation facility.

Despite COVID-19 causing a lockdown on businesses, these industries still provide essential services to our daily lives. Because of this, steam and boiler industry professionals are essential to the smooth operation of these large and vital operations.

Steam and boiler industry professionals are responsible for keeping these sectors working on a regular basis. This includes installing and maintaining steam boilers, handling potential complications, and providing energy solutions.

Energy Efficiency: A Key Factor

After the Coronavirus, many industries have to adopt energy-saving measures in order to recover quickly. After a series of economic shocks, factories and industries that depend on boilers will need high-efficiency boilers that can improve production and allow them to recover losses. 

To ensure that boilers remain energy efficient, regular maintenance is vital. 

Regular maintenance doesn’t just save money, it increases boiler energy efficiency and reduces environmental damage. 

Steam boiler plant worker

Safety at Work 

Steam boiler maintenance service is an essential service, so safety is of the utmost importance for these maintenance workers.

It is imperative that gas engineers, technicians, and other personnel practice proper sanitation while handling emergencies close to burners, controls, and pumps. 

When it comes to installing steam boilers, dealing with emergency shutdowns, or maintaining energy systems, workers practice safety procedures at all times. 

As part of regular maintenance, boiler inspectors are implementing these steps

Looking for a steam boiler specialist in Australia?

Tomlinson Energy Service provides 24/7 emergency and service support to the Asia-Pacific markets supplying high-efficiency packages for steam boilers, hot water and thermal oil heaters, offering in-house technology from prestigious brands including Bosch and Weishaupt.

Contact us today or simply fill out the enquiry form below If you would like to enquire about our steam boiler services. Our industry knowledgeable experts are here to help!