Boiler pH problem

Brad White_203

Panting typically is due to rhythmic and sudden collapse of steam such as in a section of uninsulated piping.

The collapse begets vacuum which draws in more steam and air from any vents nearby. The steam again collapses and the cycle continues. This back and forth action of vacuum and pressure creates the panting effect.

This is not to be confused with <i>pantsing</i> although that is entirely up to you.

How well insulated are your mains? Thoroughness being more important than thickness initially.

mpeterfr

Boiler pH problem

I have a single pipe steam system that has worked well and very quietly for many years until the end of last year's heating season. At that time started getting significant panting noises from the radiators. I put in Surgemaster but that didn't help. Plumber came and used a number of boiler cleaners, but that made the system worse, to the point many radiators wouldn't heat. After a number of boiler flushes got back to the original problem. At that point plumber found the water pH was high and starting to add chemicals to reduce it and then heating season ended.

Starting this season, first few times boiler ran everything was quiet, then the panting noises started up again. I measured the pH several times and get readings of 10. Plumber has me adding Sodium Bisulfate to lower the pH, but that seems to have made the panting even worse and the pH is still high.

Is the panting a pH problem or something else? Any suggestions? What is the best way to control the pH?

Thanks.

mpeterfr

Panting

The mains are insulated, with the exception of a few fittings. If the problem was insulation, wouldn't it be a consistent problem, instead of an intermittent problem?

Brad White_203

Enough systems

that have panting issues, often have them go away once the system is warmed up.

Panting is a symptom of a change in pressure as mentioned. Another factor may be any foaming (for which high pH can be a contributor). Along with foaming comes some surging, bubble collapse and less than ideal steam production obviously. Absent any temperature/condensing based collapsing, I would see if there is any foaming. I think you said that things were clear in the boiler?

Another random thought: Are all of your vents new? Might you have an old vacuum type vent nearby?

On the water treatment side, I am surprised that the sodium bisulfate is not doing the job or that it made it worse.

Is a full drain-down in the cards? Too much TSP was used perhaps? That high a pH not coming down is a puzzle to me.

mpeterfr

sodium bisulfate

How much sodium bisulfate should I add? Maybe I am not adding enough.

Brad White_203

I am not

a water treatment person, but maybe one can help you.

How much have you added? I mean, a tablespoon is nothing, could be in ounces or pounds, depending on the initial concentration.

Call a water treatment professional such as Nalco or Barclay, Rhomar or G.E. Betz, would be my advice.

Vinegar has often been used, by the way.