Big fire theory

ed_56

I recently had my boiler tuned up and the mechanic said I had a BIG FIRE. Its a steam system one pipe.
The nozzle he told me was at 1.25.
Would a larger nozzle than needed cause the steam pressure to be greater than it would with a smaller nozzle?
I am thinking that when you begin to get everything venting relatively quick and start to correct old problems,
would the need for a smaller nozzle prevail?
Thanks....

Timco

Gas pressure is set to mfg specs, always stamped on the appliances label. The orifice size is set to altitude / caloric value / specific gravity deration factors. Pressure is set by the pressuretrol. A bad fire and over-pressurize a boiler.

Tim

lchmb

actually

I think from what I'm reading Timco, he's talking about an oil system. If that is the case Brian, the system should be fired to manufacturer spec's. What kind of boiler and what is the model of it?

Brian_63

Big Fire Theory

Ichmb,
Its a peerless steam boiler.
I have two labels with Model #'s

TW4 or
JOTTW50S

Thanks,

Steamhead (in transit)

Sure it's not

the JOT-TW150S?

That boiler, when equipped with a Beckett AFG burner, uses a 1.25 nozzle at 140 PSI for a firing rate of 1.50 GPH.

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Brian_64

Steamhead,
Could be the model, label is tough to read.The size of the nozzle determines the size of the fire. Does it affect the speed of the steam going through the mains?
I am curious what a smaller nozzle would do. I am thinking it would most likely cause the boiler to run longer, but would the steam move slower?

Steamhead (in transit)

Does it

short-cycle? If not, I'd leave the nozzle as it is.

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Brian_64

I dont think it short cycles. I have the old honeywell chronotherm with the mercury switch. The only thing I notice is that its very sensitive. Once the temp drops below 68 degrees, it will run for a couple of minutes to bring temp back up. So to answer my question, does the size of the fire, or if something is overfired, affect the rate of steam running through the mains?
Thanks for your help, I appreciate your insight.
Where can I find a Long Island "steamhead"??

Dick_2

You should read Hot Tech Topic-The Speed of Steam;based upon this information,it would seem that boiler pressure should be controlled as low as possible and still provide heat to all radiators. I have found that our two pipe vapor steam system only requires several ounces(using vaporstat) of pressure to provide comfortable, uniform heat throughout our home. When we moved here about 15 years ago, the pressure setting was 3plus pounds. A lot of fuel was wasted over the years.

Steamhead (in transit)

If you're on Long Island

call Matt Sweeney, owner of Triple Crown P&H in Floral Park. Matt has installed a steam system from scratch in his own home so you know he can straighten your system out. You can find his info here:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/getListed.cfm?id=210&Step=30

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