Utica PEG-C low-water cutoff elevation too high?

MRW

I purchased a home with a Utica PEG-C gas boiler and one-pipe steam system.  The system has been working fairly well for me, with the exception of the occasional water hammer.  The boiler has just about the minimum 24" from the center of the glass gauge to the invert of the header pipe, and my "A" dimension (utilizing the bottom of floor joists as a rough guide, until I can check with a level) is also about 24"... so unfortunately I don't have a buffer to play with as far as water backing up the return line into the end of the main, and water getting carried out of the boiler with the steam.



Aside from physically lowering the boiler and/or getting into some major pipe work, I was wondering if there is a way to adjust the level at which the low-water cutoff calls the feeder for more water?  On this boiler, the low-water probe seems to be located at bit high... shouldn't it be at an elevation near the bottom of the sight glass?  Are there any probes which could "hook down" to sense low water at a lower lever?  I attached a pic showing the probe location in relation to the sight glass.  The bottom edge of the level I'm holding is the level of the probe.



Thanks in advance for any advice.  I've been reading this forum as a lurker for a few months now and have learned a lot from the posts here.

JStar

Lwco

It's best not to alter the manufacturer's placement of the LWCO. The only way to avoid system issues is to install the boiler and piping properly. Then the water level will not be an issue. And keep the pressure low.

Rod

Boiler Water Level

Hi-  The operating water level in the boiler and the probe location are set by the manufacturer and should NOT be altered, especially the probe, as it is a safety device. You might want to check your boiler's I&O manual (Installation & Operating) so that you are sure it is set up properly.

  There is a bit of slack built into  the "A" dimension so you're probably okay as long as you keep the maximum pressure (Max 2 PSI- lower is better) as low as possible while still maintaining satisfactory operation.  You may want to get a Vaporstat as they are more accurate at low pressure.

- Rod

Steamhead

The LWCO placement

is not a problem on those boilers. Post a pic of the boiler area including the piping around the boiler, and let's have a look at it.

MRW

Forgot to mention my pressure settings...

Thanks for the advice.  I still have a pressuretrol controller at the moment... cut out is set at 1.5 psi, and cut-in is set at 0.5 psi.  I've monitored the pressure gauge when the system is boiling, and so far the pressuretrol is doing a good job of shutting down the flame when the pressure builds to about 1.5. 

MRW

Will post more pics in a bit...

I suspect there are some issues with the headers, take-offs and mains as well... I will post pics and a description of what's what a bit later.  I have to finish up some work first, but I will get back to you on this.

ChrisJ

Leaking

Also looks like the bottom nut on your gauge glass is leaking.

Be careful when tightening, they like to break!