Boiler Output

markZ

Experts, can't seem to locate any info on the max BTU output for my steam boiler. Nothin listed on boiler itself. Old Kohler type 'F' model AA18X15. Would appreciate any info on this big guy.

thanks, mark

[Deleted User]

From Beacon Handbook

circa 1940.

F Kohler starts @ 18X19. No 18X15 in Beacon Or Tom Byrley's Book.

The 18X19 has net steam of 305 sq ft. Water is 490 sq ft. These are for oil firing.

Boiler dimensions. Firebox 18" W X 19.5" L. Floor to crown sheet 22.25". Floor area 2.1 ' X 2.25'. Base hgt 10". Flue dia 9".

markZ

Boiler Output

Ron, thanks. I did see that info in the Beacon handbook and have been trying to apply info to my scenario. What I'm trying to determine is if w/ our new extension and subsequent additional Rads does my boiler have the capacity to provide steam and heat them all. Currently it seems that I get steam to all and they heat up, but that the 'great room'/extension is not warm enough ~10deg cooler than rest of house. I'm considering putting in another Rad and start to play balancing games w/ the air vents on the Rads throughout the house. Started to adjust and had quickly gotten some good results. Total sqft EDR for Rads is ~350 which might put it over capacity, but I do know that my boiler originally ran off of coal and was later converted to oil w/ a Beckette head. Would rate of oil consumption be a better tool to determine possible boiler BTU output? I'm a little lost here. Help.

thanks, mark

[Deleted User]

I would check

your boiler against the dimensions in Beacon. If smaller than, or the same size as the 18X19, you don't have enough boiler. The ratings are for oil firing. When those ratings were published 300 sq ft steam was 1.00 gph #2 oil. W/ a good flame retention burner, 360' per gallon is a better number. However, you DON'T want to overfire your 70+ year old boiler to make it do what it was not made for.

@ 66, I'm looking forward to retirement. Don't you think that boiler deserves the same?

markZ

Boiler output

Ron, @66 you're probably just getting warmed up anyway. However, I'm starting to share your thoughts about being on the border w/ boiler existing capacity. Even w/ turning down some of the other Rads I may be right on th edge. I'll continue to tweak and re-tweak air-vents, but I think I'm drifting towards being forced to replace existing w/ a larger unit. Sad, but it's reality. However, I did get some advice on the pressuretrol and it looks like she may have been set a touch high. Brought her down from 2+ psi to ~1 psi and put the differential at 1.5 psi. From a $$ standpoint I need to try any and everything before I spend the bucks on a new/larger unit. Wish me luck and thanbks for the advice. True appreciated.

mark