Steam Boiler Issues - Help!

Brian Stack_2

I am dealing with a Slant Fin 168,000 BTU steam boiler, one pipe system with wet returns that is lifting the water out of the boiler as it starts to make steam. The water in the sight glass slowly fills with water, and eventually reaches the header and starts banging. Last year a different contractor had repiped the boiler due to a faulty original installation. All near boiler piping is correct, return lines clean, and gas pressure at manufactures spec. We have cleaned the system using Rhomar solution for the past three days, no change. There are some issues with radiators vents, but customer does not want to change them.

Does any one have any ideas?

Thanks

David Sutton_6

can you post some pictures

David Sutton Heating

Brian Stack_2

I do not have any pictures. Single riser 2.5" into a 2.5" header with two 2" supplies, 1.5" equalizer. Hartford loop is at spec. Two 1.5" returns, no check valves.
No insulation of near boiler piping.

Bob_73

over heating

A homeowner drained alot of water out of boiler and lwco had failed and didnt energize the water feeder.They could not see water level in the gauge glass because it has not been serviced in 3 years.They called because the house was over heating.Would low water in the boiler cause the over heating,and why ????
Bob.

T-O

Check that the gas valve matches the proper firing for your boiler. It sounds like your boiler is overfired
T-O

Been There

I know this sounds simple, but did you double-check your pressuretrol settings? I had a service call a few years ago with similar conditions, and I found that the pressuretrol was set at 15PSI, and it was backing up the returns. Just a suggestion - goo luck.

Brian Stack_2

I checked the gas valve outlet pressure and clocked the gas meter. Everything checks out. This one has our whole company puzzled.

Brian Stack_2

Honeywell pressuretrol set as low as it goes. Also checked to make sure pigtail and gauge glass ports were open. We flushed out all return lines and even opened the return line to the boiler to make sure the boiler was not plugged. All OK.

Our first guess was that the boiler was surging. But after checking the PH levels and a good skimming and water cleaning with the Rhomar chemical, no changes.