boiler encased in concrete

M Knopp

Can you settle a bet?

See the two photos, which show identical hot-water boilers in a gravity system, circa 1910, in a three-story duplex. The radiators they serve are identical:

Boiler 1 serves the first floor and one radiator on the third floor.

Boiler 2 serves the second floor and one radiator on the third floor.

While the boilers are identical, the one serving the second floor (Boiler 2) is encased in a foot or more of concrete.

Why?

I say it was installed as a heat sink so that the resident on the second floor wasn't giving free, stray heat to his neighbor downstairs. Boiler 1 wouldn't require the concrete jacket, since any stray heat would rise and heat the first floor anyway.

A colleague says Boiler 2 was given the jacket as insurance because it served the second floor and was thus subject to greater pressure.

Now, this guy is a mechanical engineer, but I can't believe Boiler 1 and Boiler 2 see much difference in pressure. Both serve a radiator on the third floor, and the gauges don't show much difference in pressure during operation.

Whaddya think? What is the function of the concrete?

--Matt

M Knopp

why the concrete?

Can you settle a bet?

See the two photos, which show identical hot-water boilers in a gravity system, circa 1910, in a three-story duplex. The radiators they serve are identical:

Boiler 1 serves the first floor and one radiator on the third floor.

Boiler 2 serves the second floor and one radiator on the third floor.

While the boilers are identical, the one serving the second floor (Boiler 2) is encased in a foot or more of concrete.

Why?

I say it was installed as a heat sink so that the resident on the second floor wasn't giving free, stray heat to his neighbor downstairs. Boiler 1 wouldn't require the concrete jacket, since any stray heat would rise and heat the first floor anyway.

A colleague says Boiler 2 was given the jacket as insurance because it served the second floor and was subject to greater pressure.

Now, this guy is a mechanical engineer, but I can't believe Boiler 1 and Boiler 2 see much difference in pressure. Both serve a radiator on the third floor, and the gauges don't show a no difference in pressure during operation.

Whaddya think? What is the function of the concrete?

--Matt

Bob W._3

But wouldn't the concrete heat sink just give off heat in the basement anyway, thereby heating the 1st floor?

mark smith

that's Too funny ...

who knows what some moron thought 50 years ago ..

you haven;t listed any valid reasons ..

HEY ....maybe it's in case......she blows ...!!

Paul Pollets

I agree

Blast Protection....!!

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Mike T., Swampeast MO

My only guess is that with two boilers in the basement that the basement overheated (or was expected to overheat) and the very thick concrete was used as rather strange form of insulation. At a foot thick it does have some insulation value and it's certainly permanent...

Todd_12

Concrete

To give Ron a challenge when he replaces it?

bob_50

Mark Eatherton's

dad installed it. It was an experiment in radiant thermal transgression. :>) bob

Eugene Silberstein 3

Actually, it was the boiler...

You see... the boiler had an inferiority complex and was very upset at the thought that, at some point in the future, it would be ripped out and replaced with a newer, more effient model.

So, in an effort to remain installed, it decided to build the wall around itself, in a manner similar to a moat around the castle, to prevent those from penetrating its walls.

And, from the looks of things, the wall concept has worked.

Oh my G**! I'm starting to sound like Weezbo.

*~/:)

Weezbo

It is an ancient practise of the Mongolians...

you incase the heating system in the cement and then everyone sleeps on it to keep warm through out the night...only thing though these musta been Vampire Mongolians as there is only room for people who can hang from thier feet:)

Mitch_4

where's the

little boiler that built its wall of straw, and the one of stick...should be a round there someplace..

Mitch

[Deleted User]

That'd be my guess...

Radiant Shield. THink about it. When you walk down into the basement to stoke that puppy, what sensation do you feel. RADIANT ENERGY glowing from the SOURCE. In an attempt to control the beast, they built a massive wall around it. I'd guess that they were soundly defeated in short order...

ME

J.C.A._3

Milne often.....

Tells the story of the Steam Shovel but the name escapes me.

Maybe someone read it and thought it was a good idea ? Happy T-Day Chris

tonypete

The steam shovel's name was

MaryAnn. Mike Mulligan was her operator.

Timco

Maam...for just an extra $49.95, we will add a insulation layer around the boiler saving you hundreds on your next season's coal bill!!!

jeff_51

personally, I think mitch got it right

ScottMP

My Guess

is the house was owned by an engineer who thought he knew more than his heating contractor .... nah that never happens.

Its Maryanne and Mike has just gone to get some more pie from Mrs Magilicuddy.

Scott

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