Evaluating the Retrofit of Water Tube Boiler for Enhanced Steam Genaration With Specific Biofuels

Student: Fatima Julde (Project, 2025)
Department of Chemical Engineering
Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

Abstract

This study evaluates the retrofit of a water tube boiler for enhanced steam generation using biofuels, bioethanol derived from sugarcane and diesel alongside LPG as a comparative fuel. Experimental analysis focused on flame characteristics, ignition time, fuel consumption, and cost implications. Results showed that LPG exhibited the fastest combustion due to its high high flame velocity, igniting within 3 seconds with a blue flame, while diesel had moderate combustion with an 8 seconds ignition time and bioethanol displayed slower combustion with a yellow flame igniting in 5 seconds. Fuel consumption analysis indicates that LPG required the least mass and shortest duration to convert 25L of water to steam, whereas bioethanol had the highest consumption with diesel being moderate. Cost evaluation revealed LPG as the most economical option, costing 2835 Naira, compared to 3192 Naira for bioethanol and 3252 Naira for diesel. These findings highlight LPG superior efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while bioethanol performance underscores the need for further optimization to enhance its viability as a sustainable fuel alternative.

Keywords
evaluating retrofit water boiler enhanced steam genaration specific biofuels
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