Pressuretrol question - Homeowner

Dot_2

Should the pressuretrol be attached to the Low-water cutoff?

I have attached photos to show the two (2) boilers in two family house. Having looked through Dan's books (Got Steam and Lost art of Steam heat) I did not see where the pressuretrol should be attached to the boiler or I might just have missed it.

So my question is pressertrol1.jpg right or wrong?

Thank you in advance for any assistance that is provided.

Dot

Ken_8

Both are fine.

Just look like they're set a tad high on the pressure scale.

Should run between 1/2 a pound and 2 p.s.i. tops!

If either is a vapor system, 1/2 to 1 p.s.i.

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Firedragon_4

Good grief,

where are these two, in a museum??? :-)
Call someone and replace them, you're fuel bills must be something else. Every time I think all of the dinsosurs have been buried, two show up in the same basement.

Dot_2

Nope no museum

The one that I have added the new main vent and radiator vents along with some other changes appear to be working well. Getting 72% efficiency which according to Dan's book "got steam is on 8% off that of a new one.

But they do look like big monsters in the basment!

Mike G_2

Museum pieces

These look like the same circa 1930 American Radiator Company boiler that I just sent to "the big boiler room in the sky" back in September. Originally a coal burner, was converted (I'm guessing) in the '50's to oil. I had the original pressuretrol and gauge at the top (not on the LWCO), which I'm sure never worked due to a clogged pigtail.

The chamber at the base of the unit finally gave up the ghost. A "wet pack" temporary repair lasted six years; kudos to my service guys! In the 13 years that I've been in this house, it's been cleaned and serviced every year, and every year was giving between 65% - 70% efficiency. However, it was still a fuel pig. So far this year, the new Columbia unit has only used 1/2 tank of oil (Reading, PA area). Granted, new Hoffman #75's and a few new #1A's are also helping the cause.

They don't make 'em like they used to...

Mike

Dot_2

museum Piece

Correct they are both Arco made by the American Radiator Company & Ideal converted to Oil in 1954. Only know that because the certificate is still attached to the wall near the boiler.

Firedragon_4

That's combustion efficiency

Dot, your thermal efficiency is about 30%, been there, seen it thousands of times, FACT!