Before microprocessors and digital control systems dominated boiler rooms, industrial automation relied on precise analog instruments like those pictured below from Republic Instruments and Controls of Chicago. Their line of mercury U-tube electrical flow meters, pressure/llevel gauges, CO₂ analyzers, and boiler meters helped operators monitor everything from steam and air flows to combustion efficiency, all without today’s electronics. […]
Rethinking fuel control
As seen in Data Centre and Network News Distributed architecture for resilient infrastructure Uninterrupted power is non-negotiable for data centres to provide continuity through every possible scenario, from extreme weather events to grid instability in an ageing infrastructure. Generators, of course, are central to this resilience, but we must also consider the fuel storage infrastructure that powers them. […]
Advancing Low NOx Combustion with Natural Gas & Biogas Piping Trains
Preferred recently completed a Natural Gas and Biogas Piping Train, designed and manufactured in-house, and paired with our API Ranger Burner. This system is built to meet the highest performance and environmental standards, featuring: ✔ Ultra Low NOx emissions for regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility✔ 10:1 turndown capability on both natural gas and biogas for precise load control […]
Combustion Solutions for Ultra-Low NOx — A Custom Application
At Preferred Utilities, Combustion Crew continues to deliver advanced combustion solutions tailored for specialty and industrial applications. Recently, a customer approached us with a challenge: their SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system required flue gas temperatures of 700°F to function effectively, but their Thermal Oxidizer was only producing 200°F. Without proper temperature elevation, the ammonia injection process would not […]
Reintroducing the Draft Regulator with Linear Actuator: A Legacy Product Backed by Preferred
Following our acquisition of Hays Cleveland, we are pleased to reintroduce the first updated product in the Hays line: the Draft Regulator with Linear Actuator. This unit is a direct replacement for the Hays Cleveland R-9502-1012, combining draft control, sensor, and actuator into one compact, proven solution. And now, it’s backed by Preferred’s 105 years of industry experience […]
Burner Management Series V: Common Flame Detection Methods:
Knowing when a flame is present in a boiler furnace is a fundamental safety function of the burner management system. If a flame is present and the BMS does not detect it, there will be nuisance trips and the boiler cannot operate reliably. Alternatively, if the flame detection is too sensitive and does not recognize when there has […]
Preferred Utilities Receives Two Major Third Party Approvals
Preferred Utilities Receives UL Listing to Fire Biodiesel for API Burner and UL Listing/CSA Certification for Comet Burner. New UL Listings highlight quality and sustainability. Read the Press Release Here — DANBURY, CT Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation has received UL certification for its Advanced Performance Inject-Aire (API) Low NOx Burner and both UL and CSA certification for its Comet Burner. They […]
Burner Management Series IV: BMS Troubleshooting and the Advantage of Parallel Annunciation
As safety monitoring is the primary function of a burner management system, there are many ways that a burner trip can occur. While this is the desired response to an unsafe condition, if a burner management system with a series interlock circuit is being used, it can often be difficult to troubleshoot why the lockout is occurring. This […]
Igniting Success: First Comet Burner Installation and Startup Success
A recent installation of our Comet burner with the Flex Fit controller was successfully commissioned on a 150 HP boiler at a local plant. This project demonstrates the Comet’s top tier performance, flexible design, and user-friendly features. Below, we provide insights into the installation and performance, along with some uncovered opportunities to further optimize the installation. Installation Highlights: […]
Powered by Nuclear, Backed Up by Diesel
Nuclear power plants are a cornerstone of the US energy grid. That’s why reliability isn’t optional, it’s essential. Ensuring uninterrupted operation and continuous safety requires a multi-layered strategy. At Preferred Engineering and Preferred Utilities, we offer a comprehensive suite of engineered solutions that, together, ensure nuclear facilities remain safe and operational during both routine maintenance and unexpected events. […]