Whenever performing a yearly cleaning of a steam boiler, we advise a check of the following components of the boiler. Many of these components may be overlooked during a normal cleaning but play an important role in the proper operation and safety of the boiler.
Check the operation of the Low Water Cutoff on steam boilers. On newer boilers, it will more than likely be an electronic probe-type device that may or may not have a test switch. It is advisable to remove the probe and inspect it for scale or debris and to clean it if necessary with a phosphoric acid solution. When reinstalling the probe, be sure not to use Teflon tape on the threads. If the low water cutoff is the float style, flush the chamber until it flows clean water and check its operation. Dismantle and replace any parts that may not be functioning or are leaking.
Check the condition of the high limit control siphon or “pigtail” to be sure it is not clogged with sediment. Clean with a pipe cleaner and reinstall.
Check the condition of the boiler gauge glass valves and gaskets to ensure against blockage or leakage. Tighten any leaking connections or replace gaskets if needed.
Examine the condition of the boiler water and the water level while the boiler is running. If the water is dirty and the water level is fluctuating drastically, the boiler should be boiled out or skimmed. After removing oily or muddy water, refill the boiler with clean water to proper level.
Check the near boiler piping for any water leakage. Any leakage below the boiler water level will account for an abnormal amount of makeup water to be introduced into the boiler. Examine the operation of the system main air vents and radiator vents while the boiler is operating. Any noticeable leakage of steam from an air vent can also account for a large amount of makeup water. Replace any air vents that are not functioning properly.
Inspect the condition of the target wall, firebox, and burner mounting plate insulation or any combustion chamber related items. Any noticeable damage or breakage of these items can account for an improper flame pattern. While brushing the flue passageways, be careful not to insert the brush too far as to damage the combustion chamber components. Inspect the condition of gaskets on burner door, flue cleanout plates and canopy and replace if necessary. Any leakage at these points can account for nuisance odors and improper combustion results.
On burners with integral combustion air connections to the outdoors, inspect the outdoor air inlet for any blockage or debris. Also check the operation of the relief damper of the air inlet system for proper operation.
Once again, by taking a little extra time to inspect these items, a significant amount of nuisance callback time and possible boiler damage can be avoided.
E-mail the Burnham technical department. |
