Steam Allocation Problem 1

[n7s3g9]

The boiler is generating superheated steam at 600 psig and 700 Deg F. Total generation at boiler outlet is metered("T")and one metered customer("A") using this superheated steam less than half of total steam produced at boiler.There is no recycling of condensate from this customer. Steam is throttled to step down and another meter("B") measuring the use for Flare at 200 psig steam. Balance of the steam is charged to a customer "C" with some adjustment for recycled condensate. Flare "B" is shared 50% each by "A" and "C". The customer "C" needs steam for steam tracing, steam tracking etc ( probably 50 psig ). What would be "C"'s fair share of fuel cost for this steam? Is the total system heat loss dumped to "C" ? Any reference for boiler thermal balnces working spreadsheet?

 

[pmureiko]

If the meters are accurate, then the allocation of steam to user C by difference will be accurate. All users are paying for heat used through steam metering.

I see the issue as who pays for the reduced boiler efficiency to produce high pressure steam when for one user (A), when other users (B and C) only need low pressure steam. Simple steam metering means users B and C are subsidizing A's energy costs. User A should pay a premium for the reduced boiler fuel efficiency. This will encourage A to determine if they really need high pressure steam.

The effort to improve energy cost allocation may not be worth the effort if A and C are owned by the same company since the costs ultimately come out of the same pocket.