Is this normal?

Joe V_2

I commissioned my Burnham IN5 last week in a Trane vapor system.  I let it run for a week as the manual stated and the pressure was around 5oz/in sq +/-1/2oz. and the water line was fairly stable with about a +/-1/4in bounce.

After I cleaned and skimmed the oil from the boiler, the pressure now operates around 8oz/sqin +/- 1oz  and the water line bounces 1-1/2 to 2inches. 

Why would that happen?  It heats well before and after the cleaning.  I have no complaints.  Just wondering if I should have expected the change.

Steamhead

Keep cleaning it

it's building more pressure since you got rid of the oil, but there may now be some sludge in the bottom of the boiler. Try flushing it then skimming again.



A new boiler almost always gets dirty, since the improved steam circulation loosens dirt and washes it back to the boiler.

Joe V_2

Thanks

I think you are correct! 

Now the system is slightly noisy (minor, temporary, water hammer and slight water movement sound in one radiator).  I may have a bad trap in that one.  I spent five hours cleaning on Monday and found that skimming without bringing to a boil was impossible. So, I drained, refilled, drained refilled, added TSP, tried boiling with relief valve off and repeated drain and refill several more times.  My wife thinks I should have left the oil in there.

I know the LAOSH goes through great length explaining the difficulty of cleaning but I guess it's like playing with matches.  You have to experience it to believe it.

Joe V_2

Yup

I turned off the boiler for the day to let it cool down.  Drained and found suds still in water along with dirt.  Fushed several more times and will flush some more over the weekend. 



The results are a more stable water line, 3-4 oz/sqin system pressure, no hammer and good heat across all rads within 20 minutes. 



Thanks for the advice steamhead.