my first gas steamah

kevin coppinger_4

thanks for the suggestions...more unions are usually better. As to the elbows I was trying to follow the manufactuers recommendation w/ the offset...I have never seen 45* fiings used like that...do you have any examples that you have done that could be shown here? kpc

kevin coppinger_4

well How did I do?

This is the job I inquired a while back as to the old bullhead tee of the main...owner tells me afterwards that they would have this huge bang at startup....glad I did the right thing. The old boiler did not want to come apart so we just pushed it off to the side..the HO was responsible for the asbestos and boiler removal. Smith is not nearly as well known in the country for their boilers but they do do a great job.

Steamhead

From what your pics show

it looks good. I assume you upgraded the main vents too?

The only thing I'd suggest is the dirt pocket in the gas line should be at the same level as the gas valve instead of a couple feet higher. This can be tricky if the gas valve is mounted low, but we manage to do it on our Columbias. Some inspectors will get you on things like this.

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

Boilerpro_3

I believe that Smith boiler is also...

available under the Hydrotherm name....both company's are owned by Meztek me thinks. A 200,000 Hydrotherm was also my first steamah. 3 inch supply tapping 2 inch return, gasketed sections. Made great quality steam... the header drip would stay ice cold when running. However, I have found that they do not back thier products. The burners failed after 3 seasons (cracks and holes). The insulation in the combustion chamber is only pressed in, so it comes loose after only a few years and leans on the burners. Hydrotherm has refused to back the burners, despite other very reputable contractors here stating they have seen hundreds of cases of this problem. I hope the problem is solved, because they also get a princely fee for replacement burners. Keep an eye on these things. I have tried to stop using any Meztek products, however this is hard to do since they are an unknown giant in the industry.

Boilerpro

kevin coppinger_4

as to the venting....

is it possible to oversize the main vents? I had Hoffman 4A's (2) Would ordering from Gorton be the best bet?
The gas valve was a bit low but if I was not so rushed I would have worked it out better,my bad.
I have a great repor w/ the Smith rep.(Chris Ouelette) and if there has ever a question about anything he has been right there w/ an answer.I will keep an eye on it... For steam, the boilers here in NH are usually Oil and I use both Smith and Burnham, this was a first for gas (nat),probably the last.

Steamhead

Depends

what size are the steam mains and how long are they? I have found the 4A to be too small for all but Lilliputian steam mains...........

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

Unknown

Near Boier Piping

Suggestions for fure installations:

Install A steel flange or flange union about 12" above the boiler.

On your rise off the boiler you installed to many elbows. Next time install 45 degree ells. the 45 degree el keeps steam and water better separated than 90 degree swings.

Although elbows make a job look nice and square, and appears to be more professional than 45s the 45 in steam systems used in vertical change in direction mechanically offers less resistance to fluid flow and there is a lesser chance of water collecting in the rise off the boiler.


Jake