Boiler explosion.

Tom R.

How many of you out there are equipped with explosion-proof flashlights and droplights?

Ken D.

Boiler explosion

I had a service call today. One that I really would rather not see. A Columbia L model steel fire tube gas boiler (as though it makes a difference) suffered a serious explosion. When I got there, the boiler moved a foot, was leaking from the tube sheets and the outside brick chimney was broken and bellied out 3 stories and the terra cotta was destroyed to the outlet (5 Stories). The 16 inch heavy gauge steel vent connector as well as the flue collector were shrapnel. A maintenance person apparently was working on it and something went horribly wrong. Thank God no one was seriously hurt. So far just bad nerves and ear ringing. I really believe if it was a cast iron boiler, there would be a funeral to go to. The heavy steel contained a lot of it. As of right now, we are going to put in a new boiler and a mason is to repair the chimney. The Fire Marshal has impounded the old boiler and power burner. Unknown what the cause was at this time, but I can guess. They would not allow pictures. Hey, be careful out there!!!!

will smith_4

Ken-

None of us ever sees or hears the one that gets us. You're blessed that you saw. And weren't in it.
We're all one step away.
God Bless Us All.

Ken D.

Amen, Brother.

It does give one pause.

Tom R.

Boiler explosions -

Most are not boiler vessels exploding - they are settings blown apart by a fuel explosion, as this appears to be..... And gas is almost always the fuel...... And a safety control is almost always found compromised. Be VERY careful out there.

Ken D.

Tom,

You are right, it was the fuel side that had the problem and I believe the safeties were compromised, although I could not inspect it as the Fire Marshal would not let anyone get too close.

jeff_51

really scary

But I think the real story here is when you think of the millions of gas and oil fired appliances that are out there, boilers, furnaces, and water heaters, how few of these "incidents" we get. When something like this does happen, it IS a story

bob young

intentional fire

it is said that "" if you build a fire " in someones basement and leave it unattended you better damn well know what you are doing. i live by those words.

mark smith

had one like that last year,was wired wrong for 17 years

2 others blew up in my face, well a PVI did

1- a loose ign wire
1- a programmer failure

both blew the stack off