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Need help finding a small boiler burner 12-15Kwh

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Boatma
Boatma Member Posts: 3
in Oil Heating

Hello, I'm considering DIY and custom make a central diesel boiler for my living boat. I've come to the conclusion that I need about a 12-15 kwh burner to heat hot water for both regular use and cabin heating. The problem is I can't find burners that small. Thanks for good advices and tips :)

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,653

    that is about .3gph if my math is right. i'm pretty sure most smaller oil burners can be set up for that firing rate

  • bburd
    bburd Member Posts: 1,247
    edited November 28

    12-15 kWh thermal = 0.3-0.35 US gph. Don't think I've heard of a nozzle under 0.5, in the US at least.

    —
    Bburd
  • Boatma
    Boatma Member Posts: 3

    Thank you, Mattmia2, that's good news. Can you please recommend a burner that is easy to set up? Maybe I should leave the nozzle job to someone who can adjust the burner for an optimal, clean burn.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,651
    edited November 28

    Look to the boat, Dickinson Marine and RV industry for gasoline and diesel heaters in small sizes. You will find air, hydronic and some combined heaters for DHW and heat.

    There are also some wood fired versions. I have. Cubic Mini wood burner in my camper, originally designed by a sailer for his boat.

    Screenshot 2025-11-28 at 8.26.10 AM.png Screenshot 2025-11-28 at 8.26.59 AM.png Screenshot 2025-11-28 at 8.27.43 AM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    mattmia2
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,651
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    reggi
  • Boatma
    Boatma Member Posts: 3

    Thanks, I found a used burner (2019) Fremo type K-3 18kwh with 0.5 nozzle for 100$.

    images.jpg
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,651

    what type of homemade boiler? That gun needs to fire into a combustion chamber with a bit of design engineering thought.

    Too much HX surface area and you will get condensing, too small maybe impingement, hot spots on the metal..

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,653

    remember that most burners run at a higher pressure than the nozzle's gph rating is specified at.

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