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Old steam boiler

swanzyservice
swanzyservice Member Posts: 2
in Strictly Steam
Hello. Ran into an old steam firetube boiler built in 1956. Appears to have been chemically injected in the past but has since been disconnected. Inspector wanting it flushed or chemicals reinstalled. Better to flush or add chemicals? If flush, how often should it be done? Located in Upper Peninsula of Michigan so it runs 8 months out of the year. Thank you for any help!!

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,467
    If the inspector wants it flushed on the yearly inspection it really should be drained and flushed before the inspection so he can see what he is looking at. The chemicals are used to keep the boiler in good shape. Weather you need them or not depends on the chemistry of the water. A water treatment guy can tell you..............but then again he wants to sell chemicals
    swanzyservice
  • swanzyservice
    swanzyservice Member Posts: 2
    I'll have to agree with you on that and the owner of the boiler (church), has to be instructed on the maintenance schedule that needs to be done. Thank you.
  • retiredguy
    retiredguy Member Posts: 976
    edited August 2023
    I am just curious as to the mfg. of the boiler, it's size (BTU input), the fuel it burns and it's operating pressure. You mentioned an inspector, is he from the state or the insurance company. Since I am from Pennsylvania and retired I do not know what is require d in your state. If I were doing the service, I would recommend draining the boiler and giving it a complete visual inspection, both internally and externally and have the inspector witness and "sign off" on this inspection. The best is to know the condition of the boiler you are maintaining than to do only the bare minimum. There are 2 types of storage of a fire tube boiler and either one is acceptable. You can wet store or dry store. If this boiler has to be inspected annually by the insurance company and/or the state inspector, I would choose to store it dry. There are correct procedures to perform either type. Just for your information, the age of the boiler has little to do with how long a boiler will last. I have seen boilers 50+ years old that looked as if they were installed 1 year ago. It all depends on how well it is maintained.

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