4th replacement of hot water coil in Smith 19 Steam system

BostonBill

We are a small 9-unit Apt. Blding with a Smith 19 Steam system. We have replaced our hot water coils in Smith 19 twice per side.
Here's the skinny for twice per year since the new Smith was installed in 2002.
1. The steam pipes fill up with water then hammer action.
2. A Nitrogen test of each coil reveals one pinhole leak.
3. We pay for a new hot water coil made by Heat Transfer Products, Inc.
This is really expensive for our small condo assn.
Heat Transfer Products, Inc. says it is due to "chemicals" in our Boston water!! Our heating contracter says they would be busy all the time if this were true!
Any help or ideas appreciated.
Thanks, Bill

Mike Beaulieu

When steam mixes with the condinsate. It produces carbonic acid. Making the water acidic. The acid attacks the copper. Treat the boiler water to neutrilize the acid.

[Deleted User]

Not kicking anyone.

But, our supplier switched to Central for tankless heaters (coils) years ago. Can't remember having a leaker. Use on both steam & hot water boilers. All commercial.

This is on D. C. water, which is basically a chemical soup. M copper lasts 2-3 years on our fresh(?) water. If your water, boiler or city, is worse than ours, you might ask for the availablity of cupronickel coils, rather than run-of-the-mill copper.

Guy_6

Coils

Hi Bill
I would be glad to look at the system and offer my opinions. I have literally hundreds of those and similar boilers in your area, with very few problems. The HTP coil is a top notch product as well, with few problems.
Drop me an e-mail directly and we can set up a time to look at it.

Guy Woollard
Smith Boiler Company/Mestek
GWoollard@Mestek.com