How much gas does a 1 ton gas steam boiler?

A 1 ton gas steam boiler (1 tph) has a thermal output of approximately 0.7 MW (600,000 kcal/h) and, depending on fuel calorific value and boiler efficiency, will consume roughly 70–82 m³ of natural gas per hour under full‑load operation. This range stems from variations in assumed calorific values (8,000 kcal/m³ or ~35–36 MJ/Nm³) and boiler thermal efficiencies (92–98%).

1. Introduction

1 ton per hour (tph) refers to the ability of a steam boiler to produce 1 tonne of steam in one hour. In thermal terms, 1 tph corresponds to about 600,000 kcal/h or 0.7 MW of heat output. Natural gas is a common fuel choice, valued for its clean combustion and ease of control.

2. Calculation Methodology

The general formula for hourly gas consumption is:

Gas consumption (m³/h) = Boiler thermal power (MJ/h) ÷ Gas calorific value (MJ/m³) ÷ Boiler efficiency (%).

• Boiler thermal power for 1 tph:
  • 0.7 MW = 0.7 MJ/s → over 3600 s yields 2,520 MJ/h (≈600,000 kcal/h).
• Natural gas calorific value varies by region:
  • Often taken as 35.53 MJ/m³ (8,500 kcal/m³) to 36.22 MJ/m³.
• Boiler efficiency (η) typically ranges from 92% (older designs) up to 98% (modern condensing units).

1 ton gas steam boiler

3. Example Calculations

3.1 High‑Efficiency Case

Assuming CV = 35.53 MJ/m³ and η = 98%:

Gas m³/h = (0.7 MW × 3,600 s) ÷ 35.53 MJ/m³ ÷ 0.98 ≈ 72.4 m³/h

This yields about 72.4 m³/h of natural gas.

3.2 Typical Efficiency Case

Using CV = 36.22 MJ/m³ and η = 92%:

Gas m³/h = (0.7 MW × 3,600 s) ÷ 36.22 MJ/m³ ÷ 0.92 ≈ 75 m³/h

This aligns with several manufacturer specs indicating ≈75 m³/h at 92% efficiency .

3.3 Manufacturer Data Variations

• Zozen reports ≈75 m³/h per hour at full load when CV = 8,000 kcal/m³ and typical efficiencies.
• Xinda cites ≈70 m³/h for a 1 ton gas boiler at 98% efficiency (CV not specified but similar assumptions.
• EPCB notes 82 m³/h consumption for cost‑comparison purposes at market CV assumptions.

Modular Condensing Steam Boiler

4. Factors Affecting Gas Consumption

1. Boiler Load: Partial loads consume proportionally less gas, but efficiency may drop off at low firing rates.
2. Feedwater Temperature: Preheated feedwater reduces enthalpy gap; higher inlet temperatures can lower fuel needs.
3. Gas Quality: Variations in methane content and calorific value directly alter volume consumption.
4. Ambient Conditions: Heat losses through piping and blowdown rates also influence net fuel use.

5. Practical Considerations

• Monitoring: Installing flow meters on gas supply lines ensures real‑time data for optimization.
• Maintenance: Regular burner tuning and boiler cleanings keep efficiencies high (≥95%).
• Control Strategies: Modulating burners and economizers recover flue‑gas heat, cutting fuel use.

6. Conclusion

In practice, a 1 tph natural gas steam boiler will consume between 70 and 82 m³/h of gas under full‑load operation, with typical installations clustering around 72–75 m³/h. Precise values depend on fuel calorific value, boiler efficiency, and operating conditions – highlighting the importance of accurate measurement and optimized boiler management.

The calorific value of gas varies in each region. If you need a more accurate calculation of gas costs, please contact our technicians. We will calculate it for you free of charge.