Surat: Amid rising coal prices and production costs, the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA) has organised a four-day training programme on steam system optimisation (SSO) for boiler operators. The programme is being conducted by the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Hyderabad, under the ministry of MSME’s energy efficiency improvement of boilers (EEIB) project.Somchai Dechapanichkul, who holds a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Iowa, USA, is participating as an expert and leading the training sessions. He is sharing his expertise in energy management, boilers and steam systems. He has also served as chairperson of Thailand’s Energy Management Standard Technical Committee.“The training focuses on ensuring the systematic, correct and most efficient use of coal in boilers and thermopacks. This will help industrial units improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and minimise avoidable energy losses,” said Jitu Vakhariya, president of SGTPA.The training covers key areas such as boiler efficiency, proper combustion, coal quality and utilisation, heat-loss reduction, steam system operation, operational parameters, maintenance and energy-saving practices. The first two days focus on theoretical sessions, followed by two days of practical industrial visits.The programme has attracted boiler operators and technical staff from industries across Surat, providing them with practical knowledge and skills to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.“Such training will help industries reduce fuel costs at a time when prices are rising. Similar training programmes will also be organised in other industrial areas,” said Kamalvijay Tulsian, president of the Pandesara Industrial Association.
