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Options for 3 section oil fired boiler with 84 AFLU? (with option for gas conversion in the future)

Underdog
Underdog Member Posts: 16
edited August 2015 in Strictly Steam
Are there any options for a 3 section steam boiler that could be readily converted to NG (conversion burner) down the road? The Weil-McLain SGO boiler (3 section/ 83.8 AFUE) will not qualify for rebates in my area that require "84% AFUE or greater. " The Smith 8HE-3L no longer recommends a conversion burner. The three section Megasteam from Burnham is the same story, "no conversion burner."
Are there any options for a residence that burns oil now but will be converting over to NG four years from now?

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,387
    That Smith is the same as a Peerless WBV. I believe the Carlin people have a gas burner spec for it.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • vaporvac
    vaporvac Member Posts: 1,520
    I'm getting about 84% with my Slantfin Intrepid with a Riello G400 gas conversion burner. There are quite a few gas burners that can be used with them depending on the size.
    Two-pipe Trane vaporvacuum system; 1466 edr
    Twinned, staged Slantfin TR50s piped into 4" header with Riello G400 burners; 240K lead, 200K lag Btus. Controlled by Taco Relay and Honeywell RTH6580WF
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    After four years, do you actually care if Burnham approves the conversion or not? It's the installer who's going to own the issues anyway.
    RobG
  • Underdog
    Underdog Member Posts: 16
    vaporvac said:

    I'm getting about 84% with my Slantfin Intrepid with a Riello G400 gas conversion burner. There are quite a few gas burners that can be used with them depending on the size.

    The smallest Stantfin Intrepid steamer (TR-30-1.10) has an AFLU of 84.1 however the EDR is too big at 408 square feet. I don't think I could down fire that to 280.
  • Underdog
    Underdog Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2015
    SWEI said:

    After four years, do you actually care if Burnham approves the conversion or not? It's the installer who's going to own the issues anyway.

    When I called Carlin the tech I spoke with told me that they had not tested any 3 pass boilers with their EZ Gas conversion burner.
    Maybe I spoke with the wrong person. His suggestion was not to use the burner on a boiler that had not been tested. He mentioned something about the depth of the fire box relative to the burner's flame.
    Then again, Carlin's promotional material mentions use of "EZ Gas conversion burners on modern 3-pass boilers." Maybe I got bad information.
    Is there a published list of tested/approved boilers for Carlin's EZ or Becket CG4 conversion burners?

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,387
    It's basically a political BS situation. Someone at Burnham doesn't like conversion burners, and is bullying burner manufacturers so they will shy away from converting Burnhams.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    SWEIRobG
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    Underdog said:

    Is there a published list of tested/approved boilers for Carlin's EZ or Becket CG4 conversion burners?

    Ask Carlin for a copy of their "OEM Guide." It lists pretty much everything they have tested, which air tube tube and nozzle to use and what the shutter config is.
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    What about switching to Propane if NG is in the very near future?
  • vaporvac
    vaporvac Member Posts: 1,520
    edited August 2015
    I learned when doing the research for my Intrepids (I'm a HO) that it was important to talk to the Tech dept, not the sales staff. Carlin was very helpful when I gave them the boiler I was dealing with, but as SWEI mentioned the "OEM Guide" should have it all.

    I started by deciding on the boiler and then asking all the burner manufacturers which of their burners would work. I called them all: Powerflame, Carlin, Riello, Becket, Midco etc. The tech depts are very helpful so long as you know what to ask for. Usually knowing the boiler is enough. they often had to look up the info and get back with me.
    Two-pipe Trane vaporvacuum system; 1466 edr
    Twinned, staged Slantfin TR50s piped into 4" header with Riello G400 burners; 240K lead, 200K lag Btus. Controlled by Taco Relay and Honeywell RTH6580WF
  • Underdog
    Underdog Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2015
    njtommy said:

    What about switching to Propane if NG is in the very near future?

    That's an option worth considering however Utilities are offering a $1900 equipment rebate through the energy program (only for 84+ Aflu). Fuel switches do not qualify for rebates. The infrastructure is all there for the replacement oil fired boiler (steam). Gas will be in the street 4 years from now. (4 years is a gamble for the existing boiler) The rebate incentives are enticing (especially if a gas conversion is an option down the road).

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