Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Sewer Gasses?

Options
Smith19
Smith19 Member Posts: 108
in Strictly Steam
In a public school building, We've got a two-pipe steam system with pneumatic DA controls, coming from two MASSIVE Birchfield Boilers from the 1940's. EVERYTHING in asbestos. The building is heated with old univents and air handlers. Here's the problem. On really cold days, when all the equipment is underway and under load, the air handlers produce a horrific sulfur smell, and it's getting really difficult to put up with. Intakes for air handlers are not anywhere near sewer vents. It seems to be coming from the coils. Boiler water has been treated and flushed. What on earth is going on here?

(Note: Air handlers have exterior V-belts and bearings which badly leak lube oil, but I doubt this has anything to do).

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,844
    Options
    Maybe the coils need cleaning?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Larry_52
    Larry_52 Member Posts: 182
    Options
    If the lube oil has EP (extreme pressure) additives then the sulphur smell could come from this oil. Is the smell only at the air handlers?

    If it is close to the boiler...What grade fuel are you using? What draft pressure do you have at these loads?

    If it was sewer gas it would smell like rotten eggs which is hydrogen sulphide and will desensitize your nose eventually making you believe it went away. This hydrogen sulphide smell is very dangerous to your body.
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,693
    Options
    where does the condensate drain....did the plumbing traps dry out?
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • Smith19
    Smith19 Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2015
    Options
    We have had the gasses tested. It is hydrogen sulfide. But it only is originating at the coils. We have Gordon Piatt gas power burners. No oil involved.
  • Smith19
    Smith19 Member Posts: 108
    Options
    We have had the gasses tested. It is hydrogen sulfide. But it only is originating at the coils.
  • Larry_52
    Larry_52 Member Posts: 182
    Options
    Only thing I can think of is what GW & steamhead mentioned
  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    Options
    Did you have the Potable water tested for Hydrogen Sulfide? Are you on a well?

    The testing on cold potable water is very specific. And if you draw off cold water into a glass, you IMMEDIATELY give it a sniff. Only one sniff. If it is there, you will smell the rotten eggs. Another sniff, and its gone.

    If you have well water with hydrogen sulfide it ends up coming out as a gas in water heaters. When someone goes away for a week or so, the smell can be really bad and can be explosive.
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,544
    Options
    Are these Air Handlers 100% outside air for ventilation air for the school or do they take return air?
  • Don_197
    Don_197 Member Posts: 184
    Options
    Birchfield Boilers??? Where are you located.......that is a very common boiler in my area (the Pacific N.W) I collect pieces and parts (was a Seattle Manufacturer) for SteamPunk Art. Please let me know if you are anywhere close (within 900 miles) as I want to be notified when these get torn down 8-) :p

Categories