Boiler Types - There are many different types of boilers in the boiler room today in a variety of heating applications. There are two main categories of boilers among the different boilers and those two categories are steam boilers and hot water boilers. Either of those categories can be fueled by oil, gas, or electric (although electric is uncommon for steam boilers). (more…)
Air Management in Hydronic Piping Loops - This is a secondary chilled water pump in a large pump room designated for pumps and piping in a data center. After a few minor tweaks and corrections, these pumps all operated flawlessly. There were very few issues with the secondary pump start-ups.
Unlike the primary pumps where cavitation was encountered on the primary chilled water pumps and the condenser water pumps for the chiller. The diagnosis for the cavitation of the primary pumps and the condenser water pumps was that the loops were not properly purged. This caused those pumps to cavitate.
The secondary pumps, pictured here, did not have that problem. Kudos to the team that purged the loops on this side of the chilled water system.
That was an initial installation issue. It was also a lesson in priming the system to ensure all the air purged from the loop. After all, cavitation in the pumps can cause damage to the pumps. Even after the initial installation purge, it is important to ensure air does not build up in the water piping loop. To do this we need a few devices to help purge the air before it becomes a problem. This will prevent nuisance problems such as hydronic air block in branch circuits of the loop. It will also prevent any damage that may be caused by pump cavitation as a result of too much air in the system.
Hot Water Boiler Expansion Tanks - There are two types of expansion tanks used on hot water boiler systems. The steel expansion tank and the bladder-type expansion tank. These expansion tanks are used to provide a cushion for the expansion of water when it is heated.
Without this cushion of air, the pressure in the boiler system would exceed the setting on the pressure relief valve. Finally, this will cause the pressure relief valve to open and discharge water to relieve the pressure. (more…)
Boiler Components Controls - All hot water boilers must have an expansion tank. Water expands when it is heated. There must be a place for it to expand so that the pressure in the boiler loop remains constant. Without a hot water boiler expansion tank, the pressures in the boiler loop system would vary wildly.
Most likely, the pressure will exceed the maximum pressures designed for the boiler hot water loop system. This will result in setting off the pressure relief valve. (more…)
Boiler Piping Plant Renovation - Hot Water Boiler Piping for a commercial boiler application. Boiler project being renovated and getting all new DDC controls for optimum hydronic control and efficiency. Boilers are an excellent way of providing good hot water heating to a large building or community.
In this case, new boilers were installed to replace the old inefficient boilers. The piping was rearranged and a hot water boiler economizer preheater added to make efficiency better. New controls were added for remote monitoring and control and to improve efficiency. Lastly, the entire plant got a makeover to make things more reliable, efficient, and modern. (more…)
HVAC Near Boiler Piping Components - HVAC near boiler piping is very important to a good hot boiler loop circulation of the water. Hot water loop piping is key to maintaining good water flow throughout the system. The placement of valves, the circulator pump, and other loop controls are generally installed near the boiler. (more…)
Boiler Systems Installation - It is very important to get it right the first time!
Boiler Systems Installation - Purchasing a boiler can be daunting for most people. Many people do not understand boilers and do not know certain components of boiler systems. Typically they trust the installing contractor to outfit and install the boiler with all the proper boiler components.
That includes making recommendations for optional boiler components that increase efficiency and performance. There are resources you can use to try to understand boiler components such as High Performance HVAC. However, overall, this research or study will not make one an expert in boiler installation. We have to trust the boiler installer and the skills of the contractor.
Expansion Tank Water Level Valve - Airtrol Valves help maintain the proper level of water inside expansion tanks. The valve allows air and water to flow into the tank where the air level in the tank allows for a cushion for expansion and contraction of the water in the loop. Since liquids do not compress, the air is used as the compression medium in the expansion tank to allow the loop to expand and contract without setting off pressure relief valves. (more…)
