Best Of
Re: Steam condensate tank defective float switch.
While still on the subject of this float switch and converting to the screw - in type, be sure you choose the Form Z20 type. The non-Z20 type uses a 3/16" Buna quad ring to seal the pivot rod. Buna is suitable for use with water and most petroleum products, and is good for 220* F. temperature.
The Form Z20 uses a Viton quad ring seal which is also good for water and most petroleum products, and is good for 400* F. temperature. These are longer lasting in high temperature applications.
The problem with both of these elastomers is neither is recommended for use with Amine based boiler water treatment chemicals.
A recommended elastomer for use with Amine based boiler water treatment chemicals is Ethylene Propylene Rubber, EPR, which unfortunately the switch manufacturer, now Telemecanique, does not offer. EPR is good for up to 300* F. EPR elastomers are not recommended for use with petroleum products.
When these quad ring seals begin to leak, these 3/16" quad rings in EPR elastomer material are available from McMaster Carr in quantities at a very low cost.
Due to this Amine compatibility issue, I have had customers require that I furnish condensate pumps with EPR seals. Shipco is one pump manufacturer that I know of that as standard uses EPR elastomer shaft seals on all their condensate pumps.
As a practical matter, I have never seen a Buna or Viton shaft seal that failed due to the presence of Amines. I guess this is an issue of Amine concentration, PPM. I have asked several suppliers of Buna and Viton elastomers at what concentration would Amines cause breakdown? So far, nobody has been able to answer this question.
Pumpguy
Re: Steam condensate tank defective float switch.
I agree with @Pumpguy rather than wait for an outdated switch make a new plate. A machine shop or fabricator can do it if you don't have the tools, get the newer style switch and be done with it. You will probably need one from Shipco or make one.
Buying a LWCO to make the temp fix will cost a fortune
Re: Short cycling boiler. I'm stumped.
If the pin is missing for whatever reason you can take it out of the old fill valve and install it in the new one if you have to.
Re: Servicing Honeywell Braukmann TRV
The valve bodies all seemed to be fine. Worst case the valve seal may need replace but the ones I’ve examined look good. Wish I’d got before I added the two radiators in my shop a couple years ago!
Re the Thermostatic actuator knobs; I’ve tried on a couple of my rads but no go. I expect there’s some compatibility issue with the newer valves. I’ll test with your old valve bodies sometime and let you know.
Regardless, all well worth the “free to good home” price paid. 😎
PC7060
Re: Expansion tank question
Assuming you have a Taco ZVC controller with 4 terminals per zone valve, I believe you can run a jumper between 3 & 4 (as a 2 wire valve) which would turn the circ on when the thermostat calls. Or swap it out for a switching relay such as an SR501.
GroundUp
Re: Expansion tank question
agree with @EBEBRATT-Ed and @GroundUp - no need to reconfigure since you already have pump configured for pumping away from the expansion tanks. Air removal would perform better at highest / hottest point in system but not worth the bother; just lock the valve open.
PC7060
Re: EK System 2000 hot water tank
Thank you for your reply, @SuperTech - we were responding at the same time, and I have to say yours was much more concise!
Best,
Roger
Roger
Re: "Relatives"???
Hi @EBEBRATT-Ed , You're clearly a producer. Over sixteen thousand posts here, helping people out of trouble. Anything we all can do for you? … I'm serious. This is your community. 😇
Yours, Larry
Re: Where and How to Tie in Time Delay Relay
Where is the Dwyer Photohelic (primary pressure control) on the boiler wiring diagram? Is this a simple open/close set of contacts that turn the burner on and off based on steam pressure?
Your boiler's original LWCO appears to be of the probe type. The mechanical one was added after the fact, maybe to comply with a local code.
The ICM 203 should work just fine if connected this way.
In this configuration, the gas valve will operate as soon as there is 24VAC applied to the valve. When power to the valve is terminated, there will be a delay in the restarting of the gas valve according the the selected time on the dial. for example if you select 10 minutes, then the delay after the power is terminates will start and if you power the gas valve within the 10 minute delay, the gas valve will not open until the internal clock of the ICM 205 reaches 10 minutes.
Example 1: Call for heat (24 V. power) to the gas valve terminates at 12:00. The call for heat is reestablished at 12:03. The gas valve will not power up until 12:10. this is because the internal timer has not yet expired.
Example 2: Call for heat (24 V. power) to the gas valve terminates at 12:00. The call for heat is reestablished at 12:13. The gas valve will power up until 12:13. This is because the internal clock has expires at 12:10 and the power to the gas valve will open the valve at the time power is reestablished.
Is this the delay you are looking for?
