HB SMITH BOILER LEAK

Peter Sabourin

My Smith Boiler (Steam 15 lbs) is 9 yrs old. Model series 28 with 11 sections. It now leaks between sections in 2 places. I talked to a boiler specialist, and he blames the problem on the water treatment system. Drew chemicals checks the system 3 times a year with positive results! Is it possible that certain chemicals damaged the boiler?

Also note that during shutdown, I use a chemical to prevent oxidization of the boiler.

Al Letellier

Smith boiler

Most likely the gaskets were damaged or are leaking. The Smith boilers used synthetic rubber caskets between the sections. You should dismantle the boiler(not an easy task and check the seats). We have an account that just lost a 11 section 28 because it was never assembled right in the first place. The gaskets leaked and the seating surfaces got corroded so badly we had to replace the entire boiler (not a cheap thing to do).
All boiler manufacturers are quite clear in their instructions what to/not to use for cleaning the boiler.

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Dave L_4

Leaking Smith

Peter,

Please be more specific, I've had some experience's with this boiler with cracked sections @ about the third from the back just above the lower port. The problem seemed to be connected with cold water returning back to the boiler.
I would be interested to hear if this was a section crack or a gasket leak.

Dave L.

Steamhead

Here's the man you want

Bob Flanagan, Smith rep. E-mail him at rflanagan@mestek.com . I have heard many good things about Bob, and will probably hear many more after he helps you out.

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Alan R. Mercurio

Steamhead is right on the money

Bob is the guy that will help you out with this.

Robert Flanagan


National Sales Manager


Smith Cast Iron Boilers


P. O. Box 1453


Middleboro, MA 02346


Phone (508) 946-9093


Fax (508) 947-4740



Your friend in the industry,

Alan R. Mercurio

Oil Tech Talk

Bob Flanagan

Series 28A leak

Peter:

I am sorry to hear about your problems with your Series 28A boiler. Also, sorry to take so long in getting back to you, I travel quite a bit and sometimes do not check Dans' site enough while away.

In 1994 we were using a Viton Gasket which in fact is not rubber as indicated in a prior posting. Most chemicals will not hurt this boiler however there is a chemical called Amine that will effect this gasket. Viton is actually from the Teflon family of materials and is not petroleom based. Amines are typically used to treat steam system piping to prevent solids build up etc.. from fresh water. Check with your chemical company and see if in fact they are using this chemical. If so, you need to make sure that number one, they stop and number two, you flush the system completely to make sure that there is no residual chemical left in the system. In all likelyhood, you may have other gaskets that are damaged as well. What amines do to Viton is cause an excellerated curing process that basically destroys the gasket to the point of being brittle.

In our Operation and Maintenance manuals we specifically ask that chemical companies consult us regarding the use of chemicals. You may want to use our new Graphite Port Connectors to reassemble your boiler. These Port Connectors are completely impervious to any chemicals. Contact me directly and we may be able to provide you some at a discounted rate. You may also talk to Tom Ferrante, Technical Services Manager regarding this subject and the process that you should follow for reassembly. His number is 413-562-9631.

Good luck and do not hesitate to contact me or Tom, tferrante@mestek.com if you have any questions. Also, when you dissassemble the boiler check to see if in fact that the gaskets had seated properly. Sometimes they shift during assembly.

I want to thank you for choosing Smith Cast Iron Boilers.
Sincerely,
Bob Flanagan
National Sales Manager
Smith Cast Iron Boilers