Burnham Megasteam with Gas Gun

Maine Vent

Steamhead has posted many times here about the want and I'm sure need for gas conversion for the Megasteam. My questions are, have any other Pros contacted Burnham about this conversion? Is there anything we can do as steam system owners to help persusade Burnham to look at this as a possible option?



Thanks Steamhead and Company

Al Letellier_21

gas in burnham

Burnham is the only manuf. I know of that says no way to gas in their boilers built for oil...it has to do with the $$$ involved in getting the boiler UL approved for the burner. I think we all know a BTU is a BTU no matter what the fuel. We use Weil SGOs with a Riello gas burner with great results and no issues with warrantee.

Charlie from wmass

Al what are the

efficiency ratings you are getting out of the Weils? Are they listed for the rebates? Smith G8 is not qualified by the Gas company of Berkshire county to get the rebate. So I am looking for a different boiler. My local wholesalers look at me cross eyed when I ask about a gas burner for the oil boilers. even the ones with the burners listed in the cut sheets.

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

Another option

While the Megasteam really appears to be the ultimate cast iron steam boiler, you will find a pleasant surprise if you look up the thermal efficiencies for commercial gas fired steam boilers here http://www.ahridirectory.org/ahriDirectory/pages/home.aspx.

The Slantfin Intrepid modulars burning gas are right near the top of any commercial boiler out there....alongside the Peerless 64 series and the Burnham Independence.

I suspect the Intrepids with the power burner have a lot lower standby losses due to air flow through the heat exchanger being vary restricted when the burner is off, so real life efficiency is probably better with them than the atmospheric 64 of Independence.  The 64 probably has some room for improvement as there is no base pan to reflect heat up into the castings and the excess air is high during combustion.