Frequently Asked Questions

When did National Boiler Service start working Boiler Shutdowns?

NBS completed its first Boiler Shutdown in 1989 as an ASME certified company focused on safe, quality production.

​

What types of boilers does National Boiler Service support?

With more than 300 years of combined experience servicing and installing industrial boilers and essential equipment, NBS is the boiler shutdown contractor of choice for Coal, Alternative Fuel, Bark, Recovery, Gas and Biomass boilers.

​

What is a Coal Boiler?

Coal boilers are commonly used to heat water and create steam for energy production. Coal-fired boiler efficiency can often provide lower operating costs in comparison to other fossil fuels – almost 75% less than oil or natural gas. Coal, when properly handled and combusted, is one of the cleanest fossil fuels available today.

​

What is an Alternative Fuel Boiler?

From wood burning and pellet-firing to waste-fueled biomass, alternative fuel boilers and solid fuel fired boilers offer environmentally friendly energy options and cost efficiencies. With the push to become less reliant on fossil fuels, alternative fuel boilers provide a way for plant managers to save money on fuel sources as well as meet tightening emission regulation standards.

​

What is a Bark Boiler?

Bark boilers are primarily used in pulp and paper mills to produce process steam for paper production. These boilers are especially efficient in the production of pulp and paper, as bark is a waste by-product of previous processes involved in paper making. Steam is generated when the bark waste is burned and converted to process steam that turns a turbine to produce electrical power.

​

What is a Recovery Boiler?

Recovery boilers were first invented in the early 1930s and are a key component in the Kraft process of pulping.  While recovery boilers typically do not need to be replaced until the end of their economic lifetime (up to 40 years), upgrading your recovery boiler system to meet modern standards provides new opportunities to optimize energy savings and reduce emissions.

​

What is a Gas Boiler?

Industrial gas boilers are primarily used for heating water for the creation of process steam. Plants commonly use natural gas boilers to produce power for multiple applications.  A distinct advantage of industrial gas boilers is the availability of natural gas resources and its high energy-to-heat ratio.

​

What is a Biomass Boiler?

Biomass boilers are specially designed with energy-efficient heat-transfer technology and superior combustion. These systems support renewable fuel sources such as wood, landfill waste, Non-Recyclable Paper (NRP), and Tire Derivative Fuel (TDF). Biomass boiler systems can reduce emissions, help you establish a carbon neutral footprint, and significantly improve your overall energy efficiency.

​

What is the Expected Life of an Industrial Boiler?

While each boiler system has its unique considerations affecting its longevity, a modern boiler system with annual maintenance outages can typically last 40 years on average.