need advice on steam bolier

Patrick Linhardt, \"Linhardt's Field Guide to Ste

Hi Jim,

Yes, your steam system will operate more efficiently and more smoothly with larger pipe sizes. The larger the internal area of the supply piping, the slower the velocity. This is what the old timers wanted with their coal fired boilers, because slow velocity produces drier steam, which heats better. The other benefit is a steady waterline, which gives smooth operation.

The extra cost of the larger pipe is well worth the expense. I feel that is money well spent, and quickly paid back.

Best regards, Pat

Jim_83

I need some advice in specifying a steam boiler for requesting quotes.

From the posts I have read on the Wall it looks like it is best to get the steam out of the boiler as quickly as possible and also have dry steam.

Is it overkill to use both risers on either Burnham’s V83 or WeilMclain’s SGO 3 oil fired boilers? I am asking the installer to use a 3 inch drop header. The Weil McLain specifies 2.5 inch risers. Should I be specifying a 3.5 inch header for the WeilMclain.

Is it overkill to use both risers on a Burnham IN4 gas fired boiler? I am asking the installer to use a 3 inch drop header.

Also, I am looking at my existing 2 inch header, and it is about 8 inches long before the take off to the steam main. Is there a minimum recommended length for a header before the takeoff to the main?

Brad White_9

General Principles

Without getting to the specifics of each brand (I will definitely leave that to the installers), the following principles are sound:

1) If the boiler has the option of multiple tappings, take it.

2) The lower the exit velocity the better. The more tappings you have, the lower the exit velocity in each. Go to two tappings from one and you cut the velocity in half.

To your specifics, can you still get 3.5" pipe? Mmmmm. Thought it was obsolete. I would size a header for less velocity than in my risers, even if a dropped header is used. Yes, I am conservative....

And for the recommended length after the last boiler riser enters the header? The installers will be far more informative.