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PRIME AND SURGE

Mike_NYH
Mike_NYH Member Posts: 8
On a two-pipe steam system using thermostatic radiator valves.....

Do defective steam traps in the system cause a boiler to surge and prime???

Comments

  • seabee570
    seabee570 Member Posts: 89
    edited March 2010
    priming and foaming

    I have never seen these conditions caused by traps. is this anew installation?was boiler skimmed? was a signifigant new load added? priming,is normally caused by a high load condition,it can be a sudden load,causing the boiler water level to rise erratically.foamimg,a different condition,is usually caused by dirty,or contaminated water.you could have a combo of both,if a new installation.need more info on boiler,piping,system,etc,etc.....
  • Mike_NYH
    Mike_NYH Member Posts: 8
    PRIME AND SURGE

    Not a new installation, skimmed the boiler multiple times, added surgemaster, clocked gas meter and lowered btu input as low as possible to still make steam, boiler/burner is properly sized for building, no extra loads added to system, replaced 47-2 feeder w/ 67 lwco and WF-2 feeder to give us that 2 minute delay to reduce flooding conditions caused by the priming and/or surging thats taking place.
  • seabee570
    seabee570 Member Posts: 89
    priming

    the key could be that you lowered the firing rate......if you go too low,this could be causing the priming. did this just start since you downfired boiler? you will probably need to incresae firing rate to get a steady water level. if you did not add a laod to the boiler,downfiring too much can cause the boiler to prime....
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,387
    The water is still dirty

    or there's still oil on top. Keep cleaning it. Flush it out with a hose if needed. 
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    Skimming.

    What is your method for skimming? 
This discussion has been closed.