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How does a pressuretrol control the steam pressure?

I have a old Burnham oil steamer, V8 or V9? How does a pressuretrol regulate the boiler pressure?

Thanks Mark
Weil McLean SGO4, Riello Gas Burner
404 sq ft EDR
Old Burnham V8 Removal

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,159
    real simple

    a pressuretrol is just a switch, connected to a pressure sensing element -- diaphragm or bourdon tube.  At some point, as the pressure rises, the element flexes enough to open the switch -- which turns off the power to the burner.  Then as the pressure drops, the element flexes back, the switch closes again, the burner turns on again (assuming the thermostat still wants steam) and the cycle repeats until the thermostat is happy. 
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Maine Vent
    Maine Vent Member Posts: 130
    pressuretrol

    Jamie, thanks for taking the time for that great explanation. I understand now.
    Weil McLean SGO4, Riello Gas Burner
    404 sq ft EDR
    Old Burnham V8 Removal
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