Automatic Feed Valve Makeup Demand

Wcurtis

when an automatic feed valve is installed does the signal to feed due to a low water level take into account a steaming condition, then wait until the returning condensate arrives and fill sightglass to a desired level?

Concerned about a possible overfill scenario and possible flooding if I'm not there to catch it should the automation fail, leakby or not take the steaming action into account.

EdTheHeaterMan

Depends on which one and how it is installed.

Residential or commercial?

Wcurtis

my apologies, residential

EdTheHeaterMan

Do you have a float type LWCO or an electronic LWCO?

Wcurtis

float type, I do not have an automatic feeder but I had a contractor oit today looking at another job and he stated if he got the contract for a new boiler replacement he insists on this…which I currently do not have

Wcurtis

Just wondering how they are rypically setup

EdTheHeaterMan

This model have all the features you need.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.supplyhouse.com/product_files/Hydrolevel-45-122-Install-Instructions.pdf

there is a water meter to indicate how much water is being added. There are time delay adjustments to keep the feeder from adding water so the returning condensate may be able to return and raise the water level, reducing the possibility of flooding the boiler.

It can connect to both mechanical float and electronic probe type LWCO controls

Wcurtis

sounds simple enough, I just dont trust automation like I should and I like the older stuff

STEAM DOCTOR

What do you mean the contractor insist? You are paying him and you get to decide. Automatic feeders are not a good idea, unless you are away for extended periods of time during the winter or you are physically or otherwise unable to check the boiler on a somewhat regular basis.

STEAM DOCTOR

And once we have you on this site, kindly utilize our services in helping you vet the contractor. It don't cost you a penny

STEAM DOCTOR

And agree with Ed. Only water feeder I ever put in. When the customer insist on having one. Has programmable delay in feeding and programmable feeding amount (in theory).

Wcurtis

this all started when looking for a new boiler replacement, 3rd contractor, the owner of the company came out becuase he doesnt have anyone who has been around long to understand steam

Wcurtis

I am not at the house everytime the boiler operates but check it constantly when I am there, been doin it successfully for 4-years without a hitch HOWEVER if I am not around and my wife has to do things, this MAY be an option

Jamie Hall

I am not averse to automatic water feeders. I also have a VXT on Cedric (my big boiler). All kinds of nice features. And, with a float type low water cutout, pretty reliable (if I remember to blow down the LWCO…).

They are not a substitute for checking the boiler regularly. If nothing else, the one I have has a meter on it telling me if it thinks it needed to add water — useful to know.

They can overfeed. This is true. but it's not common at all. Set correctly they won't overfeed under any reasonable operating condition, however.