Heat exchangers

Tom Tuohy

I know this question has been asked a million times but unfortunately I never paid attention to the answer so here it is again. Which heat exchanger is recommended for steam boilers. I have an existing steam boiler with 1 hot water loop off the bottom now and plans for an extension with limited wall space for BB and and a fair amoumt of glass. I need reasonably hot water for this loop.
Thanks,
TT

Art Pittaway

steam heat exhangers,

I've used both brazed plate and shell & tube with good luck. The plate HX's tend to be more compact, 25' X 50' snowmelt and it's a little larger than a cigar box. 5 or 6 years old now and no troubles. Shell & tube is more traditional, some installs have trouble with dirt or 'accumulation', plates plug up easily and are not easy to clean. S&T can stand a lot of junk passing through (usually) More info and quotes see "Bell&Gossett", for both types and "FlatPlate" has a nice sizing program that used to be free. Understand how you are going to control this system before you start to buy and install. A steam valve with actuator to shut off the flow will give you any temp. water you want, with the right control. You must have all the components of a hydronic system on both sides of the HX including the relief valve.
Art

Steamhead

Limited Wall Space

and lots of glass?

Why not heat it with steam, using a cast-iron radiator?

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"