BOILERS & BURNERS
FULTON –THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THERMAL FLUID TECHNOLOGY
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he Fulton name has been synonymous with heat transfer solutions since the company first introduced the vertical tubeless steam boiler in 1949 and Fulton was established in Bristol in 1966. Today, Fulton is still one of the world’s leading manufacturers and produces an unrivalled range of multifuel-fired steam and hot water boilers but, as Carl Knight explains, Fulton isn’t a name many have considered when specifying thermal oil systems. Until now! Often referred to as a steam boiler manufacturer, Fulton also specialises in heat transfer solutions and as such considers all options – steam, hot water and thermal fluid – when responding to a customer’s requirements. In many cases, and to meet current trends, systems are manufactured as ready-to-ship, skidmounted or packaged plant rooms; and are sold with training courses, service contracts and extended warranties to eliminate any areas of concern throughout the lifespan of the system.
FULTON’S THERMAL TECHNOLOGY Fulton’s thermal fluid heaters feature a four-pass, high-efficiency design that pre-heats combustion air. Their compact construction can, like many Fulton heat transfer systems, be skid-mounted with circulating pumps, expansion vessels and related pipework; and the range includes models with heat outputs to 3500kW with standard operating temperatures of 345°C (temperature outputs of 400°C are also available with optional heater enhancements and suitable thermal fluids). A combined expansion tank and de-aerator that has been designed by Fulton allows nitrogen to be introduced to protect the thermal fluid from oxidisation, which means that the tank does not necessarily have to be situated at the highest point in the system. This is a particular advantage where plant room height is restricted or when a system is skid-mounted for a compact installation. “Design and manufacturing resources for each thermal fluid project are shared and coordinated with Fulton Thermal Corporation in the USA but, no matter where your product originates, it will always be produced
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to the highest quality in a facility that is wholly owned and managed by the Fulton Group, which still remains a privatelyowned family business” says Carl. The smallest of Fulton’s thermal systems is the twelve-model, electricallyheated FT-N range. Its compact, vertical design has the capacity to operate at temperatures up to 340°C and its lowWatt density elements provide low film temperatures and long element life. Heat outputs range from the 22kW FT-N0075 to the 504kW FT-N1720. Fulton’s other vertical thermal system is the highly-efficient FT-C, an eleven-model range with outputs from 235kW to an impressive 4.1mW and operating temperatures to 345°C. The Fulton FT-C offers a compact, fuel-fired, fourpass heater design to allow for high fluid velocities and low film temperatures, which translates into system longevity. The FT-C’s compact design gives it the ability to be skid-mounted and means minimal floor space is required. Fulton’s largest thermal fluid heater is the three-pass horizontal FT-HC, which features eight models with heat outputs from 0.7mW to 5.9mW and operating temperatures to 345°C. While the largest in terms of heat output the FT-HC is still compact and, like Fulton’s other thermal heaters, can be packaged as a skid-mounted system and is available with low emission gas burners and alternative fuel capabilities.
THERMAL FLUID VERSUS STEAM Fulton is well placed to offer customers an unbiased review of their heat transfer requirements and can compare thermal systems to conventional steam and electric alternatives. What is also essential is that Fulton’s new and existing customers are given the right advice, and Carl looks forward to ensuring that thermal fluid systems are recognised as a viable alternative to other heat transfer systems for many applications. But, as Carl explains, at what point does thermal become the best or most cost-effective solution for a process? “The choice between adopting steam
ENERGY MANAGER MAGAZINE • MAY 2021
or thermal systems is determined by the requirements of the process and its temperature range. In general, if the process requires a temperature above 0°C and below 180°C, steam is usually the first choice. However, if the required process temperature is below 0°C or above 180°C, thermal fluid is often the better solution.” says Carl. He goes on to say that thermal systems, unlike steam, provide useable temperature with very little pressure, no flame, fewer regulations and lots of control.
THERMAL TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION Steam is often a traditional source of indirect heat for brewing but, with an increase in micro-breweries and resurgence in craft brewing, the regulations and additional ongoing investment required for running a pressure-based system often adds too much cost when considering steam as a heat transfer solution. So when Rebellion Beer Company was looking to replace its ageing steam boiler system, they turned to two of the UK’s major thermal fluid specialists for help. So when Rebellion decided that
