By Robert Ferrell, Senior Employees Engineer, NBBI
It’s that point of 12 months when heating boilers must be ready for the heating season.
Earlier than transferring the boiler energy change to the ‘ON’ place, survey the scene. I’ve taken that command from my first assist coaching. It means, “Earlier than speeding in to assist a sufferer, make sure you’re not the second sufferer.” Survey for potential hazards created by an improperly working boiler or improperly saved materials within the boiler room.
Your survey ought to ask the next questions: “What’s the situation of the boiler system,” and “Has any work been carried out on or close to the boiler in the course of the summer time shutdown?”
If work has been completed on or close to the boiler, carry out a system inspection tracing gas traces, feed traces, steam and blow off piping, stack, and regulator vent traces. Examine controls and management panels for proof of harm and adjustments or free connections. Examine mechanical assemblies comparable to burner linkage and security valve springs for paint, dust, and rust accumulation which wouldn’t enable simple motion. Examine all air flow and combustion air openings are clear and free from particles.
Overview the Producer’s Operation, Upkeep, and Instruction Guide for operation directions. Turn out to be accustomed to the timing sequence of the automated controls. Then do a start-up verify:
- Confirm water degree within the boiler, and check the low water gas cutoff;
- Confirm the gas prepare valve place;
- Clear the flame scanner;
- Confirm peep sights on the burner and boiler are clear;
- For steam boilers, confirm operation of the feed/condensate system;
- For water boilers, confirm there’s air within the enlargement tank and make up water is obtainable;
- Confirm electrical energy is obtainable to each the blower (energy burners and induced draft) and management circuit.
Begin the boiler by transferring the ability change to ON. Reset all guide reset switches, low-water gas cutoff (LWFC), gas strain switches, and strain or temperature limits switches. Observe the start-up sequence. It could be essential to isolate the boiler from the system to heat it up slowly.
Confirm the flame situations within the combustion chamber.
On fuel fired non-condensing boilers, a chilly begin could produce condensate leaking from the fuel cross covers and casing. As soon as the boiler water temperature exceeds 150° F, the condensate ought to cease.
As soon as the unit has warmed, flip energy change to ‘OFF’. Confirm the shut down cycle. Then restart. Let it come as much as full firing fee and open isolation/ cease valves to place it into the system. Monitor it all through the day, trying on the flame, stack outlet, controls, and linkage. Confirm gasket tightness for each water facet and hearth facet.
If any irregular situation happens throughout start-up, flip the ability change to ‘OFF’. Examine trigger earlier than restarting the boiler.
Primarily based in Columbus OH, Robert Ferrell has greater than 35 years of trade expertise and a level in mechanical engineering expertise. He joined NBBI in 1999, the place he serves as a senior employees engineer in its coaching division.