Boiler Fuel Requirement Calculator
Boiler Fuel Requirement Calculator: Size Fuel Supply to Steam Demand
When you know how much steam a process needs, the next question is how much fuel the boiler must burn to deliver it. This calculator works backward from steam demand, enthalpy gain, boiler efficiency, and fuel heating value to determine the required fuel firing rate.
The Formula
Fuel Required (kg/hr) = (Steam Flow × Enthalpy Gain) / (Efficiency × Heating Value × 1000)
Worked Example
A process needs 1,000 kg/hr of steam with an enthalpy gain of 2,200 kJ/kg, the boiler runs at 85% efficiency, and the fuel has a heating value of 42 MJ/kg.
Fuel Required = (1,000 × 2,200) / (0.85 × 42 × 1000) = 61.62 kg/hr
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the required steam flow in kg/hr.
- Enter the enthalpy gain in kJ/kg.
- Enter the boiler efficiency as a percentage.
- Enter the fuel's heating value in MJ/kg.
- Click Calculate to get the fuel firing rate needed.
Related Calculations
Combine with the Fuel Consumption Calculator and Boiler Steam Generation Calculator for complete fuel and steam planning.