Steam generation solutions company Steinmüller Africa says that its boilers are well-equipped to deliver efficient waste management, energy, and cost savings for the pulp and paper, sugar, metallurgical and coal mining industries.

With 60 years of expertise, the company offers full-service boiler solutions, including inspections to implement maintenance and repair, ensuring peak performance and longevity. Its fired boilers capitalise on sustainable waste disposal to produce steam, which is a valuable source of energy for industrial plants.

The versatility of the company’s boilers is valuable in sub-Saharan Africa’s industries. Although the mining sector is the largest growth-driving industry in South Africa, the paper and sugar industries have larger amounts of waste that require disposal. These industries also use fired boilers fuelled by waste products combined with fossil fuels such as gas, oil or coal to generate steam.

In the sugar industry, sugar cane is cut, heated and crushed to extract the juice, which is crystallised to yield sugar. This process results in high volumes of cellulose fibre waste, known as bagasse, with a high residual moisture content, which must be disposed of. The bagasse comprises up to 40% of the sugarcane volume and can be burnt in special bagasse boilers generating steam for use in the sugar-making process, ensuring environment-friendly waste disposal.

“Waste [...] serves as fuel to generate steam in a fired boiler, making these industries more sustainable,” says Steinmüller Africa boiler process group leader Warwick Ham.“We can engineer the most profitable solution based on the client’s waste source, steam, temperature, and pressure requirements.”

Steinmüller Africa’s competitive advantage lies in its in-house design and engineering expertise, allowing for local customised solutions. It has secured several large contracts for its maintenance and inspection services, which are highly specialised.

Boilers are typically designed to operate for about 200 000 hours. Boiler tubes are essentially the only parts that can require repairs.

Owing to the large size of the average boiler, Steinmüller Africa conducts its inspection and maintenance services at the client’s site and brings all necessary inspection technology, experts, welding technology, cranes and equipment.

Boiler inspections should occur every 18 months to determine whether the boiler tubes are eroding or corroding.

Steinmüller Africa asserts that it ensures high-quality, sustainable solutions that meet standards in sub-Saharan Africa, solidifying its position as an industry leader. The company’s certifications include those obtained in line with Pressure Equipment Regulations, European Standard regulations, European Pressure Equipment Directive and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, as well as International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certifications for ISO 9000, 14000 and 9001.