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Hurst Boiler - Solid Fuel Fired

Coal Fired BoilersWood Fired BoilersBiomass Boiler SystemsSolid Fuel Burners

Coal Fired Boilers

Solid Fuel Fired Boilers

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Manufacturer's Site

Hurst Boiler provides its clients with the support and expertise necessary to design, fabricate and install complete solid fuel boiler systems, from the fuel storage system thru exhaust gas emission mitigation. Various Boiler designs are suitable for applications to produce high pressure steam or hot water in ranges from 3,450 – 60,000 lbs/hr (3.4 mmBTU – 60 mmBTU) output from 100 up to 900 PSI.

Hybrid CF SH

Hybrid CF CG

Hybrid WW CG SH

Hybrid WW CG

Coalmiser HPD CG

Coalmiser HPD UF

Wood Fired Boilers

Solid Fuel Fired Boilers

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Manufacturer's Site

Hurst Boiler provides its clients with the support and expertise necessary to design, fabricate and install complete wood boiler systems, from the fuel storage system thru exhaust gas emission mitigation. Various Hybrid Wood Boiler designs are suitable for applications to produce high pressure steam or hot water in ranges from 3,450 – 60,000 lbs/hr (3.4 mmBTU – 60 mmBTU) output from 100 up to 900 PSI.

These systems are designed by HBC to combine the best technologies from the “old school” of biomass combustion and the latest new technologies of advanced combustion control.

The boiler vessel in each of these systems is a two pass hybrid design incorporating a water tubed boiler-type water membrane and a two-pass fire tube scotch marine vessel. These boilers advantages over standard water tube boilers include a much larger steam disengagement area providing high quality steam, larger steam storage capability for quicker response to sudden steam demand, and much larger thermal storage that provides fast demand response times and safer operation.

Biomass Boiler Systems

Solid Fuel Fired Boilers

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site

Biomass-Fired Steam Boilers, Hot Water Boilers and Direct-Fired STAG units for Solid Fuel Systems

Energy solutions based on biomass and bio-fuels provide clean and renewable energy for large national and international companies. Green-thinking companies are now using biofuels to mitigate the impact their activities have on the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. This can also generate earnings for your company by saving money on energy costs, and by the sale of carbon credits. Achieve energy independence, get off the Gas Grid, and no longer be at the mercy of the oil markets. Hurst Boiler is a leader in the development of boiler technology and energy management projects through sustainable solutions for renewable energy and energy efficiency by biomass. HURST Biomass, Gasification and Gasifier Boiler Systems will strengthen your bottom line by reducing, or even eliminating your energy and disposal costs altogether, through the combustion of renewable fuel sources, also known as Biomass.

Consider trading fossil fuels for agricultural biomass, wood, bark, agave fiber, rice husk, chicken manure, sugar cane bagasse, king grass, MSW, construction debris, nuts, shells, husks, paper, card/board products, hog fuel, sawdust, shavings, and/or sludge. Alternative Fuel Solutions and Hurst packaged projects can help you reduce carbon, reduce emissions, and reduce both operating and fuel costs, as well as being eligible to sell your carbon credits.

Hurst Boiler provides its clients with the support and expertise necessary to design, fabricate and install complete solid fuel boiler systems, from the fuel storage system thru exhaust gas emission mitigation. Various Boiler designs are suitable for applications to produce high pressure steam or hot water in ranges from 3,450 – 60,000 lbs/hr (3.4 mmBTU – 60 mmBTU) output from 100 up to 900 PSI.

As the overall market sets on the path of environmental sustainability and energy costs continue to increase, industry leaders will be hard pressed to find economically viable solutions to stay ahead of the curve. Profiting from the implementation of energy efficient and sustainable technology will be necessary to maintain a competitive advantage. Hurst Biomass Boiler Systems provide successful strategies and technology which can reduce the operational costs of current facilities and provide an ROI from installation in new construction.

Energy Efficient & Environmentally Sustainable Building Technologies using Biomass

Let Hurst Boiler help you implement the next generation of technologies in todays facilities. Discover how to obtain immediate benefits from current environmental initiatives. Take advantage of environmental and energy reducing strategies in new construction and retrofit projects. These are just some of the latest developments in Biomass Boiler Technology that Hurst can provide to benefit your business and your bottom line!

Sustainable Operations Green Retrofit & Construction

  • Integrating sustainability initiatives in your business model
  • Establishing performance metrics and benchmarking programs to quantify results
  • Selling the ROI and competitive advantage gained from sustainability programs
  • Measuring efficiency through the implementation of environmental management systems
  • Waste reduction and risk management
  • Successful programs to reduce water usage in facilities

Objectives, Strategies and Implementation in:

  • Profitable implementations of Biomass, CHP and other co-generation technologies
  • Corporate strategies to reduce overall facility operating cost in new development
  • Tackling excess energy expenditures in HVAC, Lighting and legacy equipment
  • Implementing LEED and Green design principles from the onset of new construction and retrofit projects to achieve higher cost savings

CHP/CHCP: (Combined Heat and Power/Combined Heat, Power and Cooling):

  • Engineering and Design for utilizing and implementing Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
  • Specifications for Turbine, Steam GenSets, and ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) Equipment and Technologies
  • Competitive advantages of CHP/CHCP applications for the coverage of energy demand (i.e. electricity, heat and cooling) in the industrial and commercial sectors
  • Permitting, regulatory and grant information and guidance

Energy Management:

  • Creating an overall strategy for applying cost effective renewable energy technologies
  • Reduction of risk and expenditures on energy in your operations
  • Ensuring the reliability of your energy infrastructure as new equipment is implemented
  • Maximizing the benefits of renewable energy credits, offsetting and government programs
  • Learn more about HURST Biomass Boiler Systems and see models and plan views, click here.

Elimination of Biomass Emissions

Generally speaking, the combustion of biomass material produces emissions that can prove to be undesirable. Maintenance is typically also an issue with regular tube-cleaning and ash removal. HURST has virtually eliminated those potential undesirables through engineering, and a proven system.

Hurst Boiler & Welding Co., Inc manufactures its biomass boiler systems with an extended burn chamber, increasing dwell time for the combustion of any unwanted particulates and emissions before they are able to exit the system, making the process much cleaner, which reduces maintenance time and costs.

Through the effective use of combustion air, a HURST system is capable of burning material with 0-50% moisture content. In fact, the Primary Combustion Zone reaches temperatures as high as 1850°F.

Automated Ash Removal

This system removes the ash from the unit automatically into self-contained ash bins, allowing for continual operation; thus, eliminating costly downtime and unnecessary labor and operational costs. In addition, its hands-free operation, makes the system much safer.

Cast Refractory Ceramic Lining

HURST Biomass Boiler Systems are equipped with high temperature cast refractory ceramic lining for longer life. This cast refractory/ceramic lining was designed to be completely modular, which makes for easy repair and replacement.

PLC Controls

The HURST PLC Control System is one of the most advanced systems available for biomass combustion in today’s market. The Control Panel is fully automated and continually monitored via a Programmable Logic Controller. The air flows and fuel feed rates are constantly and automatically adjusted by way of variable frequency drives to ensure a hot water or warm air temperature that is maintained within 3 to 5 degrees of the desired set point. Fuel feed motors, combustion fans, and the induced draft fan all run on variable frequency drives to ensure the proper mix of combustion air to fuel. The unit adjusts itself automatically according to load demand. The system can also operate on “Maximum Fuel Consumption” Mode to utilize the capabilities of the specific burner and combust as much fuel as possible. All controls and monitoring of the system are accessed via 10-inch color touchscreen monitor located on the front of the main control panel.

Solid Fuel Burners

Solid Fuel Fired Boilers

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site

Industrial grade wood-fired burner with HURST “clean-burn” stoker design. Modular packages available from 5 MMBTU/HR – 250 MMBTU/HR with operating temperature ranges from 200°F to 2000°F. These proven solid fuel burner systems are a leading choice in lumber dry kilns, boiler applications, oil heaters, rotary dryers, brick kilns, and more. Hurst manufactures seven different types of biomass stoker/gasifiers, which have used 2,000+ different types of biomass fuels. With installations across all industries worldwide, Hurst is recognized for the highest code standards, innovative engineering and design, Energy Star rating, and renewable, sustainable solutions for green building design and operational efficiency.

Our Hurst “STAG” systems are a culmination of our experience and knowledge of material handling, solid fuel combustion, and controls integration that offers a quality solution for most air heating applications. We are providing our customers the ability to economically and efficiently satisfy their air heating requirements by utilizing readily available waste as a fuel source in lieu of the expensive conventional sources. Hurst delivers the quality and performance that our customers expect in a custom engineered solution to reduce operating expenses and maximize productivity.

The Hurst STAG unit can be utilized from 5 MMBTU/HR – 250 MMBTU/HR with operating temperature ranges from 200°F to 2000°F. These systems are frequently utilized in lumber dry kilns, boiler applications, oil heaters, rotary dryers, brick kilns, and much more.

Rotary Dryers • Sand Dryers • Grain Dryers
Lumber Kilns • Cement Kilns • Brick Kilns

Reciprocating Grate Design – Complete burn with automatic dust-free wet ash removal system.

Modular packaged design for low cost project installation.

Twin Unit– Southern Pine Sawmill Lumber Dry Kiln

EQUIPMENT FEATURES

  • totally automated system
  • Superior refractory material
  • Automatic ash removal system (wet & dry systems)
  • Ash sifting hoppers
  • Unique wall/grate interlocking discourages internal fuel leakage
  • Reciprocating Grate Design – Complete burn with automatic dust-free wet ash removal system.
  • Modular Packaged Design for low-cost project installation.

BIO-MASSter Boiler and Integrated Combustion Control/Monitoring System HURST BIO-MASSter is one of the most advanced systems available for controlling biomass combustion and boiler operation. Our expertise combined with our commitment to improvement has allowed us to develop a biomass boiler and control system unsurpassed in the biomass industry. The system is fully automated and provides ultimate control and flexibility to meet the requirements of various biomass fuels. In addition, our product line includes Flat Grate, Underfeed, and Traveling Grate Stokers to meet any biomass burning requirement.

Biomass and bio-fuels provide a clean and renewable energy solution. Many green-thinking companies are using bio-fuels to:

  • Manage their impact on the environment
  • Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
  • Cut energy costs
  • Generate revenue by the sale of carbon credits
  • Achieve energy independence
  • Reduce or eliminate waste disposal costs by using it as fuel

Hurst Boiler is a leader in the development of boiler technology as well as sustainable solutions for renewable energy.

Offering integration and scalability, the new, high-efficiency Integrated Control Systems from Hurst Boiler for boiler room monitoring and communications provide advanced supervisory boiler controls for all new and legacy Hurst products.

BIOMASSTER

Firing boilers on solid fuels has always been a challenge. With variables like fuel-moisture percentages and varying BTU values, achieving a constant and clean burn with solid fuels can be cumbersome at times.

The Biomasster system is designed as a complete monitoring and automated control system providing intuitive control of the boiler, fuel feed, and peripheral equipment operation. Through the HMI (human-machine interface), the operator is given a “dashboard” view of all the motors, devices, and processes relative to easy operation of the boiler. From the main operator’s view, all points of the system are visible and easily accessible.

All Hurst solid fuel customers can upgrade to this new technology. The Biomasster system is easily adapted to any existing Hurst solid fuel boiler system.

Imagine the ease and lower cost of operation once this system is working for you.

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                      Jim Lubratt

                      President & Chief Executive Officer

                      Jim Lubratt has been president of SVL since 2006. He first joined the company as a sales engineer in 1992 and was made a partner in 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University and first entered the HVAC industry as a marketing engineer for a heat pump manufacturer in Texas.

                      In addition to his role at SVL, Jim is vice president of AQC Industries, LLC, a manufacturer of specialized underground ductwork systems. He is also an investor and board member for Hydromx, Inc., a manufacturer of heat transfer nanofluids, and Crotega, Inc., creators of personal and building security solutions.

                      Jim and his wife, Tracy, met in college and married in 1993. They have three children, two of whom have graduated college in Texas, while their youngest is attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

                      Outside of work, Jim places a priority on his faith, family, friends, and fitness. He enjoys helping people-supporting charities, time with his wife and kids, road-biking with friends and efforts to stay physically fit.

                      A message from Jim on the achievements of SVL

                      SVL started in February 1967 by Charlie Schwab and Craig Vollhaber. Schwab-Vollhaber, Inc. (as it was named at the time) steadily grew and, in 1985, welcomed Paul Lubratt as another partner, becoming Schwab-Vollhaber-Lubratt, Inc. SVL’s founders had the determination to build the most talented, customer-focused HVAC representative in the Midwest. Our original drive and passion still shape the company and culture to this day. The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual. From humble beginnings, SVL founders paved the way to industry success with hard work and determination. “Today, SVL is strongly organized with great people to lead our industry forward as we are challenged with fast-paced changes to reduce our environmental impact,” says Jim. Now, 55+ years later, SVL is under the leadership of two new principals who share the same vision and drive that has propelled SVL throughout the years. Built on a foundation of integrity, Jim Lubratt, and Charlie Vollhaber strive to ensure opportunities for personal growth, improved work environment, and shared life enrichment. The achievements of our organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual.

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                      Charlie Vollhaber

                      Executive Vice President & Officer

                      Charlie Vollhaber is a third-generation employee at SVL, as a grandson of company co-founder Craig Vollhaber and son of former CEO Todd Vollhaber. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Minnesota. He became an outside salesman for SVL in 2013, was made a partner in 2019, and then executive vice president and officer in 2022.

                      He grew up playing sports, including football, basketball, golf, and track, and enjoys the competitive nature of the HVAC industry. “I like that no two days are ever the same as there are always questions to answer and problems to solve,” he says. “Most of all, I enjoy working with great people and coordinating together on challenging projects to achieve positive results together.”

                      Outside of work, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife, Lesley, and their three boys. He’s also fond of golfing, traveling, and attending concerts and sporting events. One of his favorite quotes is from the book of Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Because HVAC and construction is such a team effort, he says, “this mindset helps to create positive results in a vast majority of situations.”

                      A message from Charlie on the culture of SVL

                      “At SVL, we strive to cultivate a unique culture that revolves around finding and empowering exceptional individuals. We believe in equipping our team members with the right tools and resources to succeed.

                      As we’ve grown the business, we have deliberately maintained a small firm culture, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. We encourage open dialogue and promote a sense of comfort among our employees, allowing anyone to ask questions and seek guidance from anyone else, regardless of their level within the organization.

                      We foster a workshop-like atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued. Presenting your work to another individual or a group of teammates provides a platform for collaboration, where ideas are shared, dissected, and improved collectively. We firmly believe in the power of mentoring and provide various avenues for both formal and informal guidance. Whether it’s through structured training programs or casual conversations, we encourage team members to discuss a wide range of topics, from work-related successes or issues to everyday personal life topics.

                      In summary, our culture is built on the foundation of attracting exceptional individuals, empowering them with the necessary tools, and fostering a collaborative environment where mentorship and growth thrive. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where every team member feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.”

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                      Al Gramse

                      Vice President of SVL Service Corporation

                      Al Gramse has been in the HVAC industry for over 30 years. He began as a service technician.  Then over his career worked in technical support, building automation, then service manager prior to his current role.

                      How did Al end up in the HVAC industry?  “After high school, I took a couple years to figure out what I wanted to do.   Where I was working at the time, a grumpy old coworker, who I didn’t get along with, walked up to me and said ‘What are you doing here?  Go back to school.’”  I said, “For what?”  He said “There’s a tech school down the street.  Go down there and pick something that interests you”. Then he walked away.  That weird interaction, with someone I didn’t get along with, sent me down a 30-year path in the HVAC industry.   Never underestimate the potential of a little encouragement.   Even if it is from a strange source.

                      Al has been with SVL for 15 years and is the head of our SVL Service division. “The people here are some of the best in the industry,” Al says. “A bunch of team-oriented, knowledgeable, go-getters.” His personal mantra is “figure it out,” “Do a little fact-finding on your own. Use your own brain before you use someone else’s. But know when to ask for help.” he prescribes. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish on your own if you dig in a little bit.”

                      Outside of work, Al has lots of outdoor hobbies, including hunting, fishing, and motorcycling, though his favorite pastime is simply hanging out with family.

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                      Jennifer Roach

                      Director of Marketing, Events & Administration

                      More than just a creative director, Jen brings 30 years of marketing and leadership magic to SVL. Her journey began in the trenches of graphic design, quickly evolving into crafting eye-catching campaigns for iconic brands like Target, Gabberts, Gander Mountain and Camping World. As a seasoned director and agency veteran, she honed her skills with recreational vehicle giant Parts Unlimited before leading creative teams at HOM Furniture and, ultimately, landing at SVL during a crucial growth phase.

                      Jen thrives on "servant-leadership," empowering her team and fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. "It unlocks their potential, fuels creativity, and leads to work we're all proud of," she says. "I want my team to care, collaborate, and push boundaries together."

                      When not shaping impactful campaigns, Jen enjoys weekend adventures with her husband, Scott, and son, Crew. Their lives are a tapestry of shared passions, from bike rides and baking experiments to cheering on Simley High School wrestlers. And with her recently built forever home in Cottage Grove, her free time now includes a new, thrilling chapter: weekend renovation warrior!

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                      Mike Ruff

                      Vice President of Information Technology

                      Mike Ruff, the Vice President of Information Technology at SVL Inc., is a seasoned professional with an impressive 24-year tenure in the IT industry. His journey in the field is marked by extensive experience and expertise in various domains, including serving as a Cloud Architect focusing on Azure Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and both B2B and B2C solutions. Mike’s skills extend to being a Security Architect, where he has honed his knowledge in safeguarding digital assets, and he is also proficient in the Microsoft 365 stack, virtualization, routing, switching, and wireless technologies.

                      Beyond his professional roles, Mike is deeply passionate about technology in all its forms, which is evident in his career and personal hobbies. His love for technology is not just limited to his work but also spills over into his leisure activities. In the summertime, Mike enjoys the thrill of riding his motorcycle, embracing the freedom and adventure it brings. When winter arrives, he switches gears to snowboarding, seeking the excitement and challenge of the snowy slopes. These hobbies reflect Mike’s dynamic personality and continuous pursuit of technically engaging and physically exhilarating activities.

                      Mike Ruff's blend of professional expertise and personal passions make him a unique and valuable asset to SVL Inc., embodying a perfect synergy of technical acumen and a zest for life's adventurous aspects.

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