• Recommended use of energy-efficient, modular steam boilers capable of meeting varying load profiles underscores the benefits of Miura's innovative on-demand steam technology
NEW YORK, NY, March 9, 2010 -- With pollution, climate change, and energy prices a constant concern in both the public and private sectors, the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) has issued purchasing specifications for energy-efficient commercial steam boilers. These guidelines note that federal agencies are required to buy either ENERGY STAR®-qualified or FEMP-designated products, both of which are, by definition, the most energy-efficient products available.
According to FEMP: "A boiler system should be capable of meeting the building's peak heating demand and also operating efficiently at part-load conditions. Selecting the right system and properly sizing a boiler requires knowledge of both the peak demand and load profile. If building loads are highly variable, as is common in commercial buildings, designers should consider installing multiple small (modular) boilers. Modular systems are more efficient because they allow each boiler to operate at or close to full-rated load most of the time, with reduced standby losses."
Miura modular boilers, famous for their on-demand steam and reduced environmental footprint, provide capabilities and characteristics that conform well to these FEMP guidelines. Smaller than their traditional counterparts, Miura boilers are precision computer-controlled and use natural gas or oil to heat multiple water-tubes within a pressure vessel, as opposed to heating a large water tank, as with older-style boilers. This compact "once-through" design requires less fuel and water than conventional boilers, and yet it enables Miura systems to produce steam in five minutes or less and deliver BHP outputs comparable to much larger units while also saving -- on average -- about 20 percent annually in fuel costs.
"Miura is not only the fastest-growing steam-boiler company in North America, it's also the greenest," states Gary Yumiba, Vice President of Miura Boiler Inc. "Miura's Think Green-Save Green technology lowers energy consumption, conserves resources, and reduces emissions. We are honored that Miura's boiler technology conforms so well to the FEMP guidelines, and that Miura's in-service efficiency -- the highest in the industry -- not only reduces energy costs, but also contributes to the government and private industry's common goal of achieving a greener planet."
Miura boilers are manufactured at the new, state-of-the-art Miura Manufacturing America factory in Rockmart, Georgia. Originally developed in Japan, Miura boilers were designed by necessity to conform to the far higher energy costs and pollution-control standards in that country. Miura's innovative technology was proven safe and efficient through many years of use and development in Japan. Now, in North America, Miura continues to innovate while its boilers continue to grow in popularity for their on-demand steam benefits, lower operating costs, and reduced environmental footprint.
Modular Installations
The smaller size and greater efficiency of Miura boilers make them well-suited for the types of modular installations the FEMP guidelines describe. Many North American users have opted to replace older centralized steam plants serving multiple buildings or campus environments with modular installations of Miura boilers located on-site in individual buildings. Miura's space-saving design simplifies installation and can reduce new construction costs, as well as cutting the space requirements for a new boiler room in half or doubling the capacity of an existing boiler room.
In multiple-boiler ("MI") installations, Miura boilers can be turned on or off in varying numbers as needed to match prevailing load patterns. The "once-through" low-water/fuel-saving design of Miura boilers enables them to transition from standby mode to full on-demand steam in five minutes or less. This flexibility to match highly variable steam-generation demands is coupled with Miura's fuel economy, which saves money while also minimizing emissions.
A Green and Computerized Design
As a result of their energy-efficient/eco-friendly "green" design, Miura boilers output reduces levels of harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas linked to global warming. In addition, the NOx (nitrogen oxide) rating of Miura's EX Series boilers can be as low as 30 ppm, while Miura's LX Series boilers provide industry-leading ultra-low emissions as low as 9 ppm (standard gas-fired boilers, meanwhile, produce pollutants at a rate of 80 ppm).
In addition to its compact, "once-through" multiple water-tube design, Miura boilers also employ advanced built-in computer technology to constantly monitor and optimize boiler performance. Each Miura boiler is equipped with a BL Micro Controller Boiler Control System that measures multiple individual monitoring points and provides operational status on pressure, temperature, and other factors on an easy-to-read digital display. A self-diagnostic feature can identify issues (should they arise) and the Miura Online Maintenance/"MOM" system (which comes standard with every Miura boiler) offers remote monitoring and control via the Internet. The system also interfaces with Miura's Colormetry system, which monitors water quality to prevent the build-up of scale. Miura Manufacturing America, meanwhile, operates a water-analysis lab for examination of customer water samples. Miura also offers its own BOILERMATE® water-treatment chemicals for peak performance, and several Miura Maintenance Program options to keep Miura steam boilers running at maximum efficiency.
"The FEMP guidelines are like an ENERGY STAR ® rating for industrial-sized equipment," adds Yumiba. "We are pleased that the design of Miura boilers is so well aligned with the FEMP's guidelines, and that Miura has so quickly become the number-one choice among industrial and commercial heating and steam-generation professionals."
About Miura Boiler
Miura Boiler was founded in 1927 and has grown to become one of the largest industrial steam boiler manufacturers in the world. In 2009, Miura opened a new U.S. manufacturing facility in Polk County, Georgia. For more information on Miura Boiler, call in the USA 1-888-309-5574. In Canada call 1-800-666-2182. Visit Miura online at: www.miuraboiler.com.
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