It is important to maintain access to reliable heat and hot water when you’re managing a commercial or industrial facility. Even a brief interruption in service can compromise the efficiency, safety, and operations of your business. This results in financial losses and operational risks. There are many potential uses for a mobile boiler system. To learn some of the top uses for mobile boilers that don’t involve HVAC emergencies, read this guide from Aalanco’s experts.
What Are Mobile Boiler Systems?
A mobile boiler system is a portable setup built onto a trailer platform that includes self-contained units that deliver heat and hot water. Typically, this setup is used only when the first-line boiler is malfunctioning. Their location on a trailer allows them to be moved quickly from one location to another. While they’re great for emergencies, they can also be used for planned maintenance or when work is being done on the permanent boiler.
There are many businesses and facilities that require continuous heat or hot water, including manufacturing plants, schools, and hospitals. If a boiler were to fail for even an hour or two, there could be serious consequences. A temporary supply of heat and hot water ensures normal operations and prevents shutdowns. In more long-term scenarios, a mobile boiler system can support peak demand and seasonal load requirements. This system is something many commercial facilities can benefit from investing in.
Planned Use #1: Supporting Scheduled Boiler Maintenance
Routine maintenance is a great way to ensure reliable and efficient boiler performance. However, it may be necessary to cease the use of a permanent boiler to perform an inspection and maintenance tasks. Taking the boiler offline won’t disrupt business operations when a mobile boiler installation is in place.
Why Planned Maintenance Can Require Temporary Heat
There are many facilities that require ongoing heat. It’s not an option to shut a boiler down for any length of time in these scenarios. Otherwise, there could be issues with safety, sanitation, humidity control, or freeze protection. That doesn’t mean maintenance can be scheduled. Shutting down the primary boiler can allow for time to clean, inspect, and replace components. The mobile boiler system will run in its place.
Repairs such as replacing burners, retubing the boiler, or performing a control system upgrade can require a boiler to go offline. Pressure must be relieved for this work to safely occur. In some cases, the boiler must have time to completely cool, lengthening the time that a backup system is needed.
How Mobile Boilers Keep Facilities Operational During Maintenance
A mobile boiler can keep a commercial building operational during maintenance by supplying heat and hot water. As the offline boiler receives maintenance, continuous thermal output can be achieved. When the primary boiler is ready, the backup system can be taken offline.
Planned Use #2: During Boiler Replacement or System Upgrades
A commercial boiler system typically lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years. In a professional setting, it’s beneficial to replace a boiler before it fails completely. This major system upgrade requires the use of a mobile boiler. A building will remain fully functional throughout the transition, rebuilding, or modernization of the existing setup.
Challenges When Replacing Commercial Boiler Systems
Replacing a boiler in a residential structure is much simpler than a major commercial undertaking. The process includes disconnecting the old boiler, removing it, reworking pipes and valves, setting up new controls, and updating electrical connections.
Protecting assets and products in a facility is important during the replacement process. Financial loss can add up to a major impact on your company’s success.
Using Mobile Boilers to Maintain Heating During System Changeouts
Mobile boilers provide full-functioning heating and hot water that can be used to maintain a safe and comfortable indoor temperature. It’s not productive, and it doesn’t make financial sense to shut down an entire facility during boiler replacement or upgrade. Hot water will also be accessible for cleaning, running equipment, and as part of the manufacturing process.
Industries That Benefit From Planned Mobile Boiler Use
There are many industries that benefit from consistent heat and hot water, making the use of a mobile boiler beneficial. This equipment prevents even very short interruptions in service that could lead to problems with productivity or safety. Not to mention, regulatory compliance is a concern in many of these scenarios.
Large Office Buildings and Multi-Tenant Facilities
Large office buildings and facilities with many tenants often rely on boilers for heat and hot water. A temporary boiler allows tenants and employees to go about their normal day, often not even noticing work is occurring.
Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities
Consider the amount of work that is being done in just one day at a large-scale manufacturing and industrial facility. Taking a boiler offline for maintenance or repairs can lead to the location being unsafe, productivity decreasing, and product losses.
Commercial Properties That Cannot Afford Heating Downtime
In certain climates, it’s essential to maintain consistent heat for the safety of patients, tenants, and workers. Hospitals, nursing homes, and schools all require heat and hot water. Without it, this could lead to safety issues, health concerns, and compliance problems.
Keep Your Facility Running During Boiler Work
Our team at Aalanco Service Corporation understands the importance of planning heating continuity during maintenance and upgrades. Contact us today to learn more about our boiler systems for your commercial and industrial needs in Greater Massachusetts.
FAQs
It’s common to have questions about the use of mobile boilers. Understanding their importance allows you to make a smart decision about the boiler use at your facility.
Are mobile boilers only used for emergencies?
Mobile boilers are beneficial during an emergency. However, they can be part of planned maintenance and repairs. Having a mobile boiler put in place before a primary system goes offline prevents potential issues.
How quickly can a mobile boiler be deployed?
A mobile boiler can be deployed within hours in many cases. We offer 24/7 support to help you maintain the safety and function of your location.
What types of facilities typically use mobile boiler systems?
It’s common for commercial factories, warehouses, schools, hospitals, and businesses to utilize mobile boiler systems. We can help guide you on the type and size of mobile equipment to use.
Can a mobile boiler support operations during long-term projects?
A mobile boiler can provide you with support during a long-term project. This is an essential piece of equipment during a major renovation, upgrade, or repair.
