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intermittent pilot vs standing pilot

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ChrisJ
ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,673
in Gas Heating
I'm curious what everyones opinion is on intermittent pilot vs standing pilot.  I have to assume a standing pilot is far more reliable and cheaper to fix if it fails.



Is there anything I should know before making a choice on a new gas steam boiler?  Both options are available.
Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment

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  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,621
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    The typical cost

    per year for a pilot using an .018 size orifice is around $100 to $130 depending on the cost of the gas per therm (100,000 BTU's). Thermocouples are very reliable and it is not unusual for them to last over five years and in some cases in my career I have had them last fifteen years.



    If you add a vent damper to the boiler it will offset some of the cost by holding the heat in the boiler from the pilot. Just note that a small knockout has to be removed in the damper when using a standing pilot.



    Intermittent pilot systems with spark ignition are not as reliable and parts are more expensive.
  • bill_105
    bill_105 Member Posts: 429
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    Is it true..

    that standing pilots will no longer be available, in 2012?
  • Tim McElwain
    Tim McElwain Member Posts: 4,621
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    To the best of may knowledge that is

    correct, in fact they are not allowed in some states now. I am just not sure which ones. The problem is when you increase efficiency requirements the standing pilot system even with the vent damper can't meet the standard.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,673
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    Why no high efficiency gas steam boilers?

    The highest I can find so far is the Weil-Mclain EG series and even these are only 82.9% with intermittent pilot and damper.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    Consider thermal efficiency as well

    DOE output as a percentage of Input. Atmospherics like the EG are 80-82%. Wet-base power-burner units are 86%. 
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
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