Outdoor wood boiler

rico7467

On a mahoning multi fuel wood boiler rated at 75-150000 btu does the oil burner that runs on #2 oil put out 150000 btu? Also would that heat the water faster than burning wood? I am just trying to determine the efficiency of the oil versus wood and/or coal also if you get a waste oil burner with higher btu ratings does that increase the boiler btu or do you have to stay at 150000 btu when purchasing the oil burner

hot_rod

To define efficiency you would need to measure the oil input to the burner, in gallons maybe, and divide by the amount of thermal energy you get out. That energy out number is a bit harder to determine. A btu meter would show, or some rough back of the envelop calculations based on temperature increase and gallons per minute.

Wood fired, non gasification boilers run 40- 50% efficient depending on wood species and moisture content. Gasification types are getting in to the 80% range with good controls.

The oil burner to boiler efficiency would depend on the design of the heat exchanger also, measuring the flue gas temperature with the oil burner running, or a combustion analyzer may get you an indication of efficiency also.

If I were to guess, 70- 80% of the oil will convert to useable heat out the supply connection on the boiler.

The manufacturer may have some data, especially if they are trying to meet the EPA or other Govt standards?