At a leading dog food manufacturing plant in Mequon, WI, history and innovation recently converged during a major boiler system upgrade by PBBS Equipment. The project involved bringing two new high-efficiency CBEX firetube boilers online to replace the plant’s aging boilers from the 1950s and 1960s.
The original 100 HP and 125 HP boilers had reliably generated steam for over half a century, delivering exceptional service. However, with lower turndown ratios of 2:1 and 3:1, they struggled to meet the plant’s increased steam demands, leading to frequent cycling overnight, reduced efficiency, and higher fuel costs.
The new CBEX units, each rated at 150 HP, provided a much-needed boost in steam capacity. With an 8:1 turndown ratio, these boilers offer tighter combustion control across a wider firing range, effectively eliminating the excessive cycling issues that had plagued the old units. From their compact footprint and low emissions to their smart controls, the CBEX boilers represent a comprehensive sustainability solution.
This project held special significance for PBBS. One of the original boilers being decommissioned was started up decades ago by the company’s founder, Vic Carberry. In a nod to this history, our Technical Director—and Vic’s grandson—Adam, posed in front of the historical boiler, alongside the original startup documents.
