Steam Question

Rookie_3

Haven't ran into too many steam boilers until recently and they have been basic clean and tune up. Had one today that ran good but the water in the site glass was going up and down.
Any causes or cures would be appreciated. Nothing looked unusual except for that.

Thanks.........ROOKIE

thfurnitureguy_4

Surging water line, could be dirty boiler water or a skim of oil on top of the water. the water has to boil violently to break through the oil causing the site glass to surge. Violent boiling throws water up with the steam, and can cause wet steam . You loose some efficiency with wet steam. Read about skimming a boiler in the owners manual or ask your boss Im sure he knows. The oil comes from pipes being worked on or a new install usually. I have heard that faulty near boiler piping can also cause this but I dont know why.

Rookie_3

Sounds like your right on. The house has just been through a total rehab and the boiler was drained for the summer with the feed pipe cut out and a new pipe was brought in from another direction of the basement. I kept blowing it down and would get dirty water after it ran for a while.(black) The up and down movement is steady but not real harsh. Thanks, guess I better do some reading on skimming...............ROOKIE

John Conway

surging

If you are maintaining a boiler, I'd recommend several of the books Dan Holohan offers here at HeatingHelp.com. Reading the "Steam Problems" section would be a profitable start.