When procuring a new boiler, there are a few considerations to keep in mind regarding its controls. Open and proprietary boiler controls offer pros and cons. In an open system, all components are configurable or can be made configurable with some effort. Proprietary systems tend to be more difficult to modify unless the manufacturer has made provisions for doing so. To help you determine whether a proprietary system is right for your organization, we’ve outlined some of the benefits of each type of control here. Read on to learn more about which one will work best in your facility!
How Boiler Controls Work
All boilers require boiler controls to control water flow, airflow, and fuel flow to operate safely and efficiently. Sensors monitor water and airflow and fuel levels to ensure that the boiler does not run lean or rich veering from its safe operating range. Sensors also monitor the boiler’s internal temperature and pressure to ensure that it does not overheat or exceed safe operating pressures. If a sensor detects a problem, it automatically shuts off the boiler, preventing it from overheating and damaging the equipment.
Modern Boiler Controls
Just like your vehicle or just about any other device, your company’s boiler is now more dependent on software technology for controlling its operation than ever before. Boiler controls enable you to optimize your boiler’s performance, reduce operating costs and minimize your risks, including compliance with all mandated regulations and standards.
Updating Control Firmware Systems Considerations
Most boiler controls allow service companies, like Bay City Boiler, to make routine adjustments to the controls. But when changes to software configuration are required, like updating control firmware, the scenarios diverge:
Open Systems
Open boiler controls — like those offered by Siemens, Fireye and Autoflame – allow our trained technicians at Bay City Boiler to make changes or work directly with the control software provider to make adjustments in a timely fashion. So long as customizations are tested and documented, the flexibility of an open boiler controls system offers an important advantage.
Proprietary Systems
Proprietary boiler controls, on the other hand, often restrict configuration changes. There could be a delay of days or weeks before a corporate technician or another authorized representative can get on-site to (likely) execute the changes that had been identified earlier.
Not all proprietary boiler controls are inadequate. For some equipment, that may be the only option. In that case, just be sure that the software is well known and supported by an extensive network. You wouldn’t want to suffer unnecessary downtime while waiting for assistance.
Need Help Deciding? Three Tips
To set your facility up for success, whether considering proprietary or open boiler controls, be sure to ask your boiler or burner vendor to discuss:
- Ease of use – the most popular open system controls will benefit from feedback from many users, large development teams, and investment in making the controls easy to use.
- Interoperability – can the same control system be used across boilers and burners of different brands, ensuring easier management for you and your maintenance vendor. Is it compatible with remote monitoring or other building management systems, for example.
- Innovation – how often is the system and software updated to include new features? Be wary of choosing an option that is infrequently updated to include new capabilities.
Conclusion
When deciding between open and proprietary boiler controls systems, it’s important to remember that open systems are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Organizations requiring close control of their equipment may feel more comfortable with open systems—which are more flexible and accessible to the end user.
On the other hand, the best equipment for your application may only be available with proprietary controls. The best option depends on your specific needs and goals.
We Can Help
If you have any additional questions about boiler controls or would like to schedule a consultation today, please contact us here. We look forward to helping you choose what boiler system is appropriate for you!