What is the primary fuel source for most industrial boilers?

Natural gas is the primary fuel source for most industrial boilers due to several key advantages. It is favored for its efficiency and cleanliness compared to other fossil fuels. Combustion of natural gas produces fewer pollutants, which is increasingly important in regulatory environments aimed at reducing air emissions.

Additionally, natural gas systems generally have lower operational costs compared to those that rely on electricity, coal, or wood chips. The infrastructure for delivering natural gas is widely available, making it accessible for many industrial applications. The high energy content of natural gas also means that it can generate significant amounts of heat quickly, which is essential for the high-demand needs of industrial processes.

Wood chips and coal, while used in certain applications, have limitations such as higher emissions and greater handling requirements. Electricity is less commonly used as a sole fuel source in large-scale boilers due to cost and availability constraints. In summary, the combination of efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and availability makes natural gas the predominant choice for fueling industrial boilers.