Product Handbook 2026 - Volume 1

General information Useful calculation data

7

Local regulations may restrict the use of this product to below the conditions quoted. In the interests of development and improvement of the product, we reserve the right to change the specification without notice. © Copyright 2013

AI-GAB-04 AB Issue 3

The Cost of Steam - Imperial

The cost of steam is usually expressed in terms of the cost to raise 1000lbs. The calculation itself is relatively straight forward and this AIS simplifies the task by the use of a forced path calculation sheet. A blank format is available overleaf. Example : Boiler operating pressure - 150 psi g, feedwater temperatures 180 °F. Fuel used is heavy oil at £1.80 / gallon and boiler efficiency is 80%.

Steam pressure

Feedwater temperature

150 psi g

180 °F

Mathematical operation

Units

Heat input required (see table 1)

Btu/lb

1049

x

lb

1000

=

Total heat input

Btu

1049000

Btu/lb coal or oil Btu/Therm gas

÷

Calorific value of fuel (see table 2)

18300

lb coal or oil Therm gas

=

Net fuel needed

57.3

85% x 1.18 80% x 1.25 75% x 1.34 70% x 1.43

x

Boiler efficiency

1.25

7.5 5

lb coal or oil Therm gas

=

Actual fuel needed

71.9

COAL

OIL

GAS

S.G Heavy 9.7 Medium 9.5 Light 9.35

Mathematical operation

Mathematical operation

Mathematical operation

÷

2240

lb/ton

÷

9.7

x

£/therm

=

ton

=

gallon

7.38

x

£ / ton

x

£/gallon

£1.80

£ / 1000 lb steam

÷ 100 =

£ / 1000 lb steam

£ / 1000 lb steam

=

=

£29.65

11.5.3

These tables are on the next page Table 1 Heat input in Kilojoules (kJ) required to raise one kilogram (kg) of steam. Table 2 Calorific value of various fuels (approximate values)

AI-GAB-04 AB Issue 3

Page 1 of 3

The Cost of Steam - Imperial

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