Am I getting burned

NickM

I am contracting someone to replace this boiler with a Burnham. He has had a sudden revelation that not only the steam header must be replaced but the distribution system has to be changed...   Can anyone tell by the pictures if this is true or tell me where I can find a design for a steam header or the  correct method of developiong "distribution."

Greg Maxwell

Steam system

There are a lot of questions that would need to be asked before I would let someone go in and change a steam "system", meaning piping, just because the boiler needs to be changed. But, I am not on the job, so I cant tell. This looks like it probably is a parallel flow system, and has probably worked well for the better part of 80 or so years. Dont be afraid to get other opinions. It sounds like it may be to your advantage.

NickM

Thanks

I appreciate the honesty..

Do you think I am going to see the 40% drop in oil use or is that just more salesmanship ?

crash2009

You could

go to the Burnham website and look up the model of boiler.  http://www.usboiler.burnham.com/products/boilers/index.php#boilers  Most if not all of them will show a diagram of how the boiler needs to be piped.



From what I can see in your photo, your new boiler will need a header, and the ends of the distribution system "the mains" will have to be connected to the header. 



Sounds like you need a second opinion on your upcoming project.  Have you tried the "find a contractor" section at the top of this page?  

Rod

Talk to the Reps

That's a big boiler! First of all is it possible to switch to natural gas? When you have that size of a heating plant you might want to look into multiple boilers and modulated stage firing burners. I think I would contact Burnham and maybe other boiler manufacturers and talk to their reps. On a big job they will quite often help you out with engineering etc. and would be able to find you an installer that is capable of working with a larger system.

Just a thought.

- Rod

gerry gill

Nick- I haven't got a clue

what that actually means in steamese.

NickM

Savings

Do you think I will see the 40% savings on fuel by installing a new boiler ??

Thanks

Nick

Greg Maxwell

Bog 'ol steam boiler

Please please please, get a knowlegeable ol steam guy in there to snoop around. My bet is that you have never had a problem with comfort from that monster, just fuel consumption. That is what I gathered from your previous thread. Another set of eyes on that wouldnt hurt. Main vents will need to be changed, as well as radiator vents, but Im willing to bet that is all beside near boiler piping, and if an inexperienced guy does it, you will probably get a LOT of problems.

Ill be interested to hear your progress. Dont give up!

NickM

You are on target

I have never had a problem with this beast but it burned 4500 gallons last winter.

I was told that it is not efficient because the gun was put in the wrong place and would save 40% with a new steam plant.

IS there truth to this .. is it that big of a savings ???

I appreciate your help.

nicholas bonham-carter

new boiler economy

our replacement of a 1,050,000 btu. 1-pipe steam boiler resulted in 30 % less fuel cost [corrected for degree days]. this was mainly from:

1.lower pressure with a vaporstat [>12 ounces].

2.massive venting of the mains [air out at a back-pressure of 2 ounces].

3.insulating supply pipes.

4.correcting low spots in the main.

5.relocating/replacement of the thermostat.

6.not sending steam up the chimney!

also factor in that the average apartment temperature is now a few degrees warmer than before!--nbc

NickM

The lost art of steam

Wow -- now if I could only find one of you guys near Mt Vernon NY

I am leaving now to  meet Boiler Pro #8 today and all of them put together had less knowledge than these postings.

Thanks

Nick

Hoog23

Westchester

I live in Westchester too and had no luck finding a local steam pro on this site.

I have learned a lot from reviewing old posts and asking questions and am using a plumber from Bronxville to convert from oil to gas and replace my old boiler with a Smith G8 and Carlin EZ-Pro burner.  I am almost finished with the conversion project and will post some pics when done.

Joe V_2

You will see savings

My old boiler was a huge fuel consumer until it died.  Local boiler pros are non existent in this area(- although many claimed to cut there teeth with boilers).  Went with forced air,(needed air conditioning anyway) lowered the fuel bill by 50% but was never comfortable.  Bought a Burnham IN5 Natural gas boiler and installed missing steam traps in radiators, main vents, insulated pipes, vaporstat, etc. and received savings of 30% over the forced air system over the last two winters.  And, we were very comfortable!  So, my guess is, you will see substantial savings with a new, properly installed steamer.  Keep looking for the right contractor.

Steamhead

Now that's a success story

and we need more of these!

Charlie from wmass

Some boiler people do travel

I do travel for boiler installations. Email me perhaps I can help you get the answer that will work for you.

Jamie Hall

Beat me to it...

I was just about to suggest that Nick get in touch with you, Charles! 

Charlie from wmass

Thanks for thinking of me Jamie

I am looking at this coming week to come visit Cedric II .

Jamie Hall

sounds good...

just let me know a few minutes ahead!

NickM

Resolution-- I hope

Thanks everyone for the input, it helped.

After having several "Pros" look at this boiler for replacement, I chose the guy who got the least number of wrong answers,

I selected a BURNHAM KV903ASOB O/F DRFT BLR WITH CF500 BECKETT BURNER

AND

Hoping for Global Warming

Regards,

Nick