Power Flame Model X4M HTD

Rod

Hi Tim- I've been closely following your posts on burners in the Steam Heating Association thread on the Main Wall and was wondering about the  Power Flame Model X4M HTD burner.  <a href="https://data.powerflame.com/support/supportdocs/Catalog/pdf/type-x4/X4-Installation.pdf">https://data.powerflame.com/support/supportdocs/Catalog/pdf/type-x4/X4-Installation.pdf</a>

As this is already an "off the shelf" product wouldn't it work for what you are trying to accomplish?  I've been looking at the unit for a long time but still have to wait till natural gas is available here in rural Maine (promised in a "a year or two")  I'm really glad to see the organization of the Steam Association and I agree with you that the availability of a modulating or a 2 stage residential burner in both oil and gas to boast boiler efficiency will decide the future fate of steam heating. 

- Rod

Steamhead

I asked the PowerFlame rep about that

at a trade show a couple weeks ago. On steam, the HTD would be overkill- you'd just want the standard modulating one, since you only need to drop 25-30% or so from the high-fire rate to shed the pickup factor.



The other issue with full-mod is that Moneywell no longer makes a modulating control that works on ounces. I have an idea that we might be able to use this setup as lo-hi-lo by switching fixed resistances in and out of the circuit with a Vaporstat, but haven't had time to pursue it.

Rod

Power Flame X4M Actuator

Frank - Thanks for the reply. It seems that finding controls to do the modulating / staging for a residential steam system is as big a problem as finding a 2 stage or modulating burner.  I found some info on the actuator Power Flame uses and have attached it below. 

Anything going in the way of  a residential 2 stage oil burner yet ?  I haven't heard any more about the Carlin EZ H2L

- Rod

Tim McElwain

There are plenty of

two stage gas valves from Honeywell, White Rodgers and Robertshaw. The problem is getting the air to move with the gas ratio on a power burner. On commercial mod motor systems it is easily done. There is just nothing I know about on the residential side (price is a factor of course) that can do what I am trying to do.

With atmospheric gas two stage it is not a problem as the excess air range on an atmospheric burner is not as critical as on a power burner with the mono-port burner.

 



I have looked at Power flame just have not been able to get hold of a burner to try it. I do not buy these burners I rely on manufacturers to donate for the purpose of education the burners to me.



I have been trying to get a Riello Gas 40 Burner for two years now. Maybe I will see them at the OESP show with their new gas trainer set up that Firedragon has done.