Mechanical Insights

In the Mid-Atlantic, harsh winter conditions and rising natural gas demand can lead to curtailments—forcing industrial facilities to switch to an alternate fuel source, typically oil. While many facilities have dual-fuel boilersinstalled, they often overlook the critical readiness of their oil systems until utilities mandate a switch. At Tate Engineering, we specialize in ensuring your boiler system is fully equipped and maintained to run efficiently on oil when curtailments occur.

Understanding Natural Gas Curtailments

During extreme cold spells, residential and commercial natural gas usage spikes, prompting utility companies to request industrial users transition to alternate fuels. This process, known as natural gas curtailment, is crucial to prevent supply shortages but can lead to significant penalties and operational disruptions if your facility isn’t prepared.

In many cases, you already have dual-fuel boilers, but oftentimes, you neglect to verify that your systems can switch seamlessly to oil. Without proper maintenance and testing, issues can arise at the worst possible time.

Ensuring Oil-Readiness: Key Considerations and Common Pitfalls

Even with a dual-fuel system in place, many facilities encounter issues with their oil readiness that can undermine performance during curtailments. Here are the key areas to focus on:

• Oil Storage Capacity and Maintenance:
  Ensure that oil storage tanks are filled to capacity well before a curtailment scenario. Underfilled tanks can leave your boiler starved for fuel during critical times.
• Efficient Oil Pump and Air Supply Operation:
  Regular maintenance of oil pumps is essential to guarantee consistent and reliable fuel delivery. Malfunctioning pumps can lead to delays or failures in fuel supply when switching from natural gas to oil.
• Cleanliness of Oil Valves and Burner Nozzles:
  Routine cleaning and inspection of oil valves and burner nozzles are vital for smooth fuel flow and optimal combustion. Clogged valves and nozzles can hinder fuel delivery, reducing efficiency and increasing operational costs.
• Proper Tuning for Alternate Fuel Operation:
  Regular tuning and adjustments ensure that your boiler is calibrated to run efficiently on oil. Neglecting to tune your boiler for alternate fuel can result in decreased performance and elevated fuel costs when curtailments force a switch.

By addressing these considerations proactively, you can avoid the common pitfalls that compromise your dual-fuel system’s performance during natural gas curtailments. Ensuring your oil readiness is not just about having an alternate fuel option—it’s about making sure that every component of your system is optimized for a seamless transition.

Rapid Emergency Services When Downtime is Not an Option

Even with the best preventative maintenance programs in place, unexpected issues can still arise during a curtailment. That’s why Tate Engineering offers comprehensive emergency services designed to get your system back on track as quickly as possible:

• 24/7 Emergency Response:
  Our dedicated emergency team is available around the clock. Whether you face a sudden malfunction in your oil delivery system or discover an unforeseen issue during a curtailment, we respond swiftly to diagnose and resolve the problem.
• On-Site Support:
  When time is of the essence, our experienced technicians will be dispatched immediately to your facility. With the necessary tools and parts at hand, we ensure that repairs or temporary adjustments are made promptly to restore optimal operation.
• Rental Boilers for Temporary Continuity:
  If your system isn’t fully prepared for the switch or encounters a failure, Tate offers rental boilers as a temporary solution. These rental units allow your facility to maintain continuous operations while we work on a permanent fix or upgrade.

Our emergency services are designed with your operational continuity in mind. By providing rapid support and temporary solutions, we help you avoid costly downtime and ensure that your facility remains operational—even in the face of unexpected challenges.

Contact Us for All Your Maintenance, Repair & Rentals

When faced with boiler emergencies or temporary heating needs,  Tate Engineering offers:

• Over 100 Years of experience and certified technicians.
• Reliable repair services tailored to industrial requirements.
• Rental boilers along with HVAC systems.
• Preventative maintenance agreements to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan.

Don’t wait for a curtailment notice to find out your oil system isn’t ready. Contact us for a consultation and discover how our dual-fuel, maintenance, and emergency service solutions can keep your boiler running seamlessly. Your reliability is our priority.

 Reach out to us today for expert assistance and ensure your facility’s heating systems remain in top condition. 1-800-800-TATE (8283)