Steam boiler

Ed_15

I just got involved with large steam heating system It is about 40-45 years old. It heats a three story office building.All I did was replace a 3"x6" nipple at the base of the boiler. Now all it does now is over fill{it take about three days}Also originally the water was very rust and there was a lot of banging. I treated the water with SCOUT and there is no more banging and the water is clear.It is still overfilling.It has a M&M # 50 comb.LWCO and fill valve.The unit has a positive shut off. My major concern now is the constant water feeding will attack the sections and cause a leak.My thought is to install a collection tank and feed pump. ANY SUGGESTIONS??????

GW

sounds like

The condesate is taking its merry time to get back to the boiler, and/or the system is so srewed up the steam is "suspending" the condesate from coming back. Are thee any wet/clogged returns?

Gary

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Steamhead

What pressure are you running?

It takes more water to make enough steam to build pressure. You should be circulating steam thru the entire system with no pressure showing on a standard gauge. Are your steam mains vented? If so, are the vents adequately sized? Measure the length and diameter of each main and tell us what vent is on it.

Another thing that can cause this is clogged pipes connecting the feeder's float chamber with the boiler. Make sure these are clear.

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Dave T

ed,

It is not too uncommon for the feed valve to leak by and need to be replaced. This would account for overfeeding in a few days.

As the other posts indicate, if the boiler level does drop to a low enough level to call in the feeder during each run cycle overfilling will be a result.

My first guess is a bad feeder, but without more info no valid conclusion can be made.

Dave T

Ed_15

1 to 2 pounds