cast iron vs steel

Bryan_16

My local school is replacing their 50 year old steel steam boiler. They want to stay with a steel boiler, but a sectional cast iron boiler would simplify replacement. Why stay with steel?

JUGHNE

What size is it? Will it fit thru building openings? Firetubes can be replaced without changing the entire boiler in the future, is one advantage I would think of.

jumper

Fifty years is very good. Will a new steel boiler last that long? Will the building still be around? The old iron boilers like HBSmith lasted even longer but do they make those like they used to? Are there still people who will assemble a CI boiler locally?

Abracadabra

Pros:

• Steel boilers are repairable when you get a leak
  
• Steel boilers can be more efficient than most cast iron sectional pinned. There are a couple of local manufacturers here that make triple-pass steel boilers.
  

Cons:

• Not many larger commercial steel boilers will fit thru a normal 36" door. If you have an overhead door type opening that you can run the boiler thru you are lucky, otherwise you'll need masonry work to get the boiler thru a door.
  

@jumper yes, most large commercial type cast iron sectional boilers are delivered knocked-down and assembled on site.

In Chicago, the only manufacturers that I'm aware of that still offer steel boilers are Hurst and a small mom-and-pop operation called Rayes Boiler. It was a sad day when Kewanee closed up shop.

jumper

There are many choices. In the seventies big old boilers were replaced with multiple small ones. Industrial boilers can be derated for heating. I hear that welded plate heat exchangers can be economic steam generators.

Bryan_16

The existing boiler will not fit out thru any available door. No problem, we cut it apart. But new steel boiler wont fit thru available openings with out the masonary work mentioned above. 65hp boiler.

SWEI

Would 39-1/2" wide and 76" high work? http://www.uniluxam.com/our-boilers

nicholas bonham-carter

Why are they set on a steel boiler?
Several smaller sectional cast iron boilers would be easier to install, and when properly staged, cheaper to run. I don't believe there would be the requirement for them to be managed by a licenced engineer as well. Maybe the steel boiler requirement is to keep someone working!--NBC

Jason_13

Another steel steam boiler
http://www.burnhamcommercial.com/products/high-efficiency/steam-boilers/
100 HP through a 34-1/2" wide door

Abracadabra

Bryan said:

The existing boiler will not fit out thru any available door. No problem, we cut it apart. But new steel boiler wont fit thru available openings with out the masonary work mentioned above. 65hp boiler.

@Bryan Rayes Boiler makes boilers up to around 4.25MBtu (100hp) specifically made to fit thru 36" openings. 31"x80" to be exact. They are triple pass down draft. The only issue I have is that they don't spec the boilers to sq.ft. of steam.

nicholas bonham-carter

Can the old boiler be fixed?
If there is one plus for tube-type steel boilers, it is that they can be retubed, and otherwise fixed, so would that work in this case?--NBC

ttekushan_3

My favorite local boiler retuber has tried the Rite steam boilers in your type of circumstances. They and the client have been very happy with the performance. They're inclined water tube types that can be provided in a knock-down form.
I think they're worth a look. I have no connection with the company.

http://www.riteboiler.com/low-pressure-steam-boilers.php

deadmansghost

I am retired now, but I was an agent for bryan boilers out of Indiana. http://bryanboilers.com This firm makes a knock down version of watertube steam boiler. Designed for the retro fit market.