Category Archives: Rules of thumb

Cost of steam leaks

2016-01-23 07.53.14How big is my steam leak? The relatively small amount of vapour from this kettle is taking 2.5 kW of power to sustain it, the equivalent of 21,900 kWh per year. If that much energy were delivered by a boiler at 80% efficiency with fuel at say £0.03 per kWh, it would cost over £800 per year.

Now compare this with the size of some of the steam plumes you see around your plant.