Beyond the Boilerplate
April 2025 Newsletter - Curated by Boilersource
Webinar Opportunity!
Trade Ally Webinar:
O2 Trim, Linkageless Controls and PRV Expert
Date: April 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CST
60 Minutes with an O2 Trim and Linkageless Controls Expert.
Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Tony Ranallo.
Dive into the world of O2 Trim, Linkageless Controls, and Pressure-Reducing Valves (PRV's)
to discover how these technologies can work together to significantly enhance your steam
system’s efficiency and cost savings.
During this session, Tony will explore:
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Key ingredients to optimize burner efficiency.
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How PRV's adjust pressure at lower levels and unlock savings in high-pressure
sections of steam systems. -
Innovative solutions to reduce boiler room operating costs.
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Practical tips on evaluating, selecting, and applying O2 Trim and Linkageless Controls for your clients.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take your boiler systems to the next level.
We'll dive into the essential factors for maximizing burner efficiency and explore various technologies to reduce boiler room operating costs. Tune in to learn how to evaluate, select, and apply Burner Optimization strategies for your clients.
Unlocking Hidden Value:
Maximize Rebates on Game-Changing Systems
If you’re designing, retrofitting, or optimizing a mechanical system in Illinois, there’s more on the table than just efficiency. Generous utility rebates are available right now – but only if you spec the right equipment.
At Boilersource, we don’t just connect you to top-tier equipment – we help you capture all the value available to you through incentive programs. Here’s where the smart engineers are looking:
Robur Gas Absorption Heat Pumps
Efficient heating & cooling powered by natural gas.
Robur units reduce your energy costs and your carbon emissions – ideal for sites with inadequate electrical capacity and/or high electrical costs.
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Qualifies for major rebates under gas utility energy efficiency programs.
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Reduces site energy consumption and emissions.
Micro Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
Power your building and recover the heat.
Whether you’re working on a commercial building, multifamily site, or institutional project, CHP offers high resilience and utility cost savings.
We rep the best:
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Axiom – Modular microCHP ideal for scalable onsite energy.
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EC Power – European-engineered systems with high electrical efficiency.
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Enginuity – Advanced residential/light commercial solutions.
ComEd and Nicor/Peoples/ North Shore custom incentive programs offset demand and reduce electrical demand on the grid.
GEM Venturi Steam Traps
Steam systems that don’t throw money down the drain.
GEM steam traps operate without moving parts, meaning fewer failures, lower maintenance, and more efficient steam usage.
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Earns rebates for steam optimization projects
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Helps solve chronic maintenance issues in
aging systems
RTK Valves
Precision control that boosts system performance. RTK is perfect for steam pressure reducing applications. It’s the smart alternative to traditional pilot operated steam valves, and an excellent choice for any control valve application.
From mixing to modulating, RTK’s line of control valves ensure your system operates at its peak – crucial for rebate-eligible performance improvements.
Let’s Talk Strategy
Navigating rebate paperwork isn’t always an engineer’s favorite task – that’s where we come in. Our team will walk your project through the pre-approval process, ensure proper documentation, and maximize returns. And yes – we’ve done this for everything from hospitals to breweries to universities.
Design smarter. Save more. Get rewarded.
Call Boilersource to talk rebates, products, and project support.
We are proud to spotlight our longstanding partnership with Raypak, a leader in the boiler and water heating industry. For decades, we've collaborated to deliver innovative and efficient heating solutions to our clients.
Raypak manufactures a full line of boilers, water heaters, and pool heaters, available in atmospheric, near-condensing, and fully condensing designs. With inputs ranging from 75,000 BTU/Hr to 4,000,000 BTU/Hr, Raypak offers products suited to diverse heating requirements.
As the Master Stocking Distributor for Raypak, we offer:
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Pricing Advantages: Due to our large stock inventory.
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Parts Availability: Extensive inventory of in-stock parts.
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Dedicated Support: Factory-authorized startup and highly qualified sales and parts staff.
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Engineering Support: Certified engineering support and field evaluation services.
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Warranty Support: Unmatched warranty support in the industry.
We understand the critical nature of having access to the right parts and equipment, which is why we maintain a large inventory ready for immediate deployment.
For more information on Raypak products or to verify availability, contact us at (847) 253-1040.
Experience the Boilersource and Raypak advantage today!
IN-STOCK EQUIPMENT READY FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT!
Get the Equipment You Need – No Delays!
We know that downtime isn’t an option. That’s why we have a range of boilers, water heaters, pumps, and mechanical room equipment in stock and ready to ship – so you can keep your projects on track. Whether you need high-efficiency solutions or quick replacements, we’ve got you covered with top brands and expert support.
Act now – inventory moves fast!
Contact us today for availability and pricing.
SPOTLIGHT ON RON HEAD
ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS
This spring, we’re celebrating a milestone – Ron Head recently marked his first anniversary with Boilersource!
With over 25 years in the HVAC and construction industry, Ron’s journey began fresh out of trade school, working side-by-side with his father in construction. It wasn’t long before he found his passion in HVAC, starting in the field with installation and maintenance work. That hands-on experience gave him a deep understanding of what truly matters to contractors and installers –Engineered Solutions.
Ron joined Boilersource drawn by our reputation as industry leaders, but also for something more personal: the opportunity to work at a Women-owned business. His wife, Aimee, a woman in the construction industry herself, was a big inspiration behind this decision.
When he’s not solving client challenges or sharing insight with the team, Ron is all about kayaking, spinning vinyl records, and catching live music. He’s also a proud dad to three kids – Kayla, Kelsey, and Ryan.
Here’s to a strong first year and many more to come. We’re lucky to have you, Ron!
PLANNED EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE OR EMERGENCY REPLACEMENTS NEEDED, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED 24/7/365
When your facility faces a planned maintenance shutdown, requires additional capacity, or experiences an unexpected equipment failure, having access to dependable rental boilers is critical to keeping operations running smoothly.
That’s why we provide high-quality, temporary boiler solutions to industrial and heavy-commercial facilities – available around the clock, every day of the year.
Through our partnership with Nationwide Boiler Rental, we offer access to a fleet of over 100 rental boilers and related equipment. Our rental inventory is stored, meticulously maintained, and ready for rapid deployment, ensuring that your business experiences minimal downtime. No matter your location, we are strategically positioned to provide a fast-track response for emergency or planned boiler needs.
Don’t wait until an emergency arises. Our Free Operations Crisis Planning visit helps businesses develop a proactive strategy to ensure operational sustainability before a boiler is ever needed. We’ll assess your facility’s unique requirements and create a tailored contingency plan so you can stay ahead of potential disruptions. Contact us today to learn more.
Entertainment & Amusements
Monthly Brain Teaser
It’s springtime, and the season of final exams for those in school. We designed our own pop quiz to test your knowledge of commercial/industrial boiler terminology, system optimization, and compliance considerations. Will you get an A?
Fill in the blanks using your expertise.
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The __________ ratio defines the range between the minimum and maximum firing rate of a burner, affecting seasonal efficiency.
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The "Three T's" that affect combustion efficiency and heat transfer are: ______________________________ .
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In a low-pressure (Section IV) steam boiler, the maximum working pressure is typically __________ PSI.
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The __________ curve of a boiler maps the heat output vs. fuel input across various loads.
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A __________ economizer captures heat from flue gases to preheat feedwater, improving overall system efficiency.
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The __________ test is used to evaluate the effectiveness of a boiler's blowdown process in controlling total dissolved solids (TDS).
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The ASME Section __________ code governs the design, construction, and inspection of pressure vessels not including boilers.
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In condensing boilers, __________ temperature must be kept as low as possible to maximize latent heat recovery.
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The function of modulating the burner firing rate in a boiler system is to maintain a stable __________ in response to load changes.
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In a steam distribution system, steam __________ are used to discharge condensate without letting live steam escape.
Monthly Recipes
Spring Asparagus & Lemon Risotto
The perfect dish to highlight seasonal produce and enjoy something warm while the weather makes up its mind.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 cup Arborio rice
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4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
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1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup dry white wine (optional)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of ½ lemon
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Boilersource Tip:
Just like risotto, steam systems require attention and timing to run at peak efficiency. Need help spring-cleaning your boilers or prepping your plant for warmer months? Let’s talk.
Instructions
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In a saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer and keep warm on low heat.
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute.
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Stir in Arborio rice, letting it toast slightly for 1–2 minutes.
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Add white wine (if using) and cook until absorbed.
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Begin adding warm broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring often and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more.
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After 10 minutes, stir in asparagus. Continue adding broth and stirring until rice is creamy and al dente – about 18–20 minutes total.
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Turn off heat. Stir in butter, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with parsley and serve warm.