oversized steam boiler

bob young

is it feasible to gear down a steam boiler to a reduced radiation load of 50 % by removing & plugging burners? efficiency would be in what area as opposed to the correct size? 225,ooo btu downsized to less than 100,000 btu.what say the experts.

Mad Dog

No expert on combustion, but it ain't a good idea

Bob. ohhhhhh! It will do what you want it to, stop surging and pitting et cetera, but by "killing" those certain burner tubes, you can create cold areas of the boiler that will be more prone to soot and carbon monoxid production, also condensation. What would be a better solution is to take some of that extra load to heat domestic water or something. I've also found that building a "killer" drop header that is "blown up" a few sizes...say to even 4" will get that overesized boiler under control again. My 3 " drop header in my boiler room heats the whole boiler room and a good deal of the basement. Best soultion is to replace that puppy wityh proper size, but You and I know that ain't happennin' when they "just spent XXXXXXXXX last yera to have this one put in!!!!!!!." My thoughts Mad Dog

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clammy

gotta agree

Gotta agree with mad dawg,i've seen guys do what your thinking about and it's a waste espically with a gas unit you would be much better off replacing the unit with the correct sized boiler and as mad dog suggest re pipe it with a oversized drop header and get some low velocity dry steam out to your system you then would get the eff. rating that is on the new unit and have a complete new system that's not plauged with promblems that come from steam boiler being oversized good luck and peace

Steamhead

You might want to check

with the boiler manufacturer, explain the situation and see if they have under-sized burner orifices available.

If so, have a pro install them and do the necessary combustion testing. This is NOT a DIY job!

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gerry gill

i agree also.

if memory serves correct, i think the most you can down fire is about 25% before having problems...yup, best ask the manufacturer.

gehring

Question

In conjunction with down-firing and other solutions, would removing pipe insulation help by tricking the boiler into thinking it is less oversized?? In other words, by un-insulating the pipes you would in effect add connected load and thereby possibly alleviate oversizing/short-cycle problems??? The heat from that new radiation (i.e. the pipes)would, assuming the basement is not too drafty, help heat that space and would eventually rise upstairs right? I know this is not a textbook solution, but would it help??

gerry gill

yes, some but

probably only during a cold start.

Ken_8

The simple answer is...

It is feasible.

Maybe not 50%, but we have had no adverse results by plugging the extreme end manifold orifices.



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bob young

steam issue

THank you gentlemen for all the serious input and advice to my questions.