Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Boiler choice

SpeyFitter
SpeyFitter Member Posts: 422
in THE MAIN WALL
Need to replace a 35 HP boiler for a two-pipe steam system. Smith has their standard 19A line and also the 28HE high efficiency line. Any advice on going one route or the other, regarding quality of steam, maintenance, or expected boiler life?

Thanks.

There was an error rendering this rich post.

Comments

  • Brad White_185
    Brad White_185 Member Posts: 265
    Boiler Choice

    As to specifics of manufacturers, I will let other installers and service techs speak to that. They would have seen far more specifics and if any, defects brand to brand. Any brand can have issues, some good names have had bad spells now and then but most have stepped up to the plate to address them. All I can say about that.

    Now, you mention 35 HP so if this is a replacement, it may be time to do an inventory of your connected radiation EDR. Maybe the 35 HP is correct, but why not take the opportunity to double-check now and assure yourself of the correct sizing?

    You asked regarding quality of steam- the near-boiler piping as recommended by whomever you choose is critical (and minimal). Follow the instructions to the letter but do not be afraid to go up a size on risers for example, if you can. Follow good piping principles regardless.

    Expected boiler life? Most CI steam boilers have a median lifespan of about 30 years per ASHRAE (HW is about 35 years by comparison). This number is arbitrary and meaningless if you have poor local piping, leaks and excessive make-up water.

    Don't forget trap maintenance, venting, pipe insulation and the myriad things which make steam sing (but quietly).

    In short, you may find the boiler of your dreams and thwart it's best performance by falling short on the parts under your control...
  • Peter Marren_2
    Peter Marren_2 Member Posts: 8
    boiler replacement

    I would suggest looking into changing system to hot water. In addition doing a heat loss. hot water boilers and systems are more economical to operate and maintain. boilers can be 93-99% efficient. however if thats just not practical or you need steam for processing, then smith 19 series with a webster duel fuel burner would be a good choice for cast iron or for steel scotch marine, steel use an Easco boiler with the webster dual fuel.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories