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Steam Replacement

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Dan Foley
Dan Foley Member Posts: 1,258
in Strictly Steam
We were called in to try to fix this steam system in Georgetown.  It was installed in March and suffered from uneven heat, short cycling and severe water hammer. The sections were also actively leaking at the push nipples.  

The boiler was connected to a Webster vapor system with a combination of indirect radiators, convectors and radiators.  The pressuretrol was set to 6 PSI.  

The biggest issue was the boiler was oversized - by over 2-1/2 times.  There was no fixing this one.  Rip it out and start over. 

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  • Dan Foley
    Dan Foley Member Posts: 1,258
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    We went back with a properly sized Peerless 64 Series.  Removed the header and Re-piped to manufacturer specs.  We replaced the pressuretrol with a Vapor-stat set to 8 oz. and increased the venting.  

    We did the start up today.  Quiet with no banging.  All radiators hot.  
    mattmia2IronmanErin Holohan Haskelltim smith
  • Dan Foley
    Dan Foley Member Posts: 1,258
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    These fittings were at the ends of the steam mains.  I had never seen these before.  The picture is not clear but they are stamped “Webster Dirt Pocket”.  
    mattmia2
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,287
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    Beautiful, @Dan Foley !
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Dan Foley
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,646
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    that must have been some violence when that old one was trying to work.

    I like the disconnect just set down on top of the boiler jacket.
    Dan Foley
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    Excellent job as always. Amazing the boiler leaked like that when it was almost new. I hope they take the previous contractor to court.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Dan Foley
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,525
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    Nice job!

    The old (new) boiler couldn't have had much run time since March. Must have water hammered itself to make the nipples leak or they didn't assemble it right
  • dopey27177
    dopey27177 Member Posts: 887
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    Great looking job.
    best of all before receiving the final payment you can say "youve got Heat"

    Jake
    Steam: The Perfect Fluid for Heating and Some of the Problems
    by Jacob (Jake) Myron
  • tim smith
    tim smith Member Posts: 2,752
    edited September 2021
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    Dan Foley, Frank or Gordon , was wondering if you have a view of Peerless, vs Weil Mclain vs Smith commercial cast iron steamer. Gas power burner. WM 88, Smith 19HE or Peerless LC. We have mostly used Weil Mclain but are maybe steering in another direction. Views would be appreciated.
    Thanks
    Tim

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