AA130 Water Quantity?

 
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Sting
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Post by Sting » Sat. Oct. 24, 2009 9:00 am

We could start a generic thread on freeze protection. If we did, Chemical augments would be at the bottom of my list.

At the top - would be a system like Greg has - a care taker - a trained neighbor or pal that would check on the place every day. What the heck would you do if you didn't burn with coal and you went away? Things can always fail.

That's called a back up and there are various degrees of back up

Back up power to fail over in case of power loss
Back up BOILER to fail over in case of out fire for any reason
Back up resistance coils in the solid fuel boiler the provide burst protection

on and on -- heck I saw a guy on the internet that used an electric DHW heater in the system - piped as a third boiler would , for a back up. It was wired to launch if the circulated liquid ever fell below 80 degrees. All you need is to keep the liquid moving and or above 35 (or so) degrees. Correct flow and 24/7 pumping will do that alone.

OK so what happens if the system fails and the house gets cold enough to be damaged -- Home owners insurance.
Now if you turned off your primary heat source and you were relying on the supplemental -- you might be out of luck because now your coverage has to kick in because you were stupid. (some policy's cover stupid - some - well) If the primary plant was just sitting there waiting to kick in and failed - now its equipment failure and your covered.

Another is a temperature alarm -- set to dial a land line to your cell phone on temperature drop, say when the house hits 50 degrees - you still have a 15 degree drop to go that loss will at least a few hours even in bad weather. You may loose a few house plants but the place will survive. Then there is the question-- what the heck are you doing away from the place when the weather is this bad? If your flush enough to vacation all winter in the Bahamas - you shouldn't be burning solid fuel. :lol:

 
cabinover
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Post by cabinover » Sat. Oct. 24, 2009 9:27 am

I do have relatives that could watch the place so I'm probably set. My father in law will need to swing by to empty the ashes a couple times a week and he's within a couple miles.

Think I'll just go with water for the time being. We only leave for one week in the winter and this year it's the first of December, not much chance of a deep freeze then. The rest of the winter I need to be around to keep equipment running.


 
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whistlenut
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Post by whistlenut » Sat. Oct. 24, 2009 9:34 am

It is unique to see the many dozens of outdoor boilers that certainly don't use any antifreeze solution, but what the heck, 300 gallons divided by 2 is still a great deal of non toxic. 50/50 solution is a bit strong, more like 40% AF, 60% water.

Within 25 miles of where I am right now, I personally know of 60+ systems that have NTAF in them, many for over 20 years.
Older homes with copper pipes sneaking through unheated areas are a sure bet for a freeze-up when its below zero....always in a blizzard, on a holiday weekend and at night.
Don't be afraid, just be aware. If you live where it freezes, and you have had issues, or expect them, the $200.00 is darned 'Short Money' for the privilege of sleeping well when Al Gore's prediction doesn't happen.

I'm guessing that you have around 35 gallons in the system, so 15 gallons of NTAF(nontox) is about 175 ish. Remember, you can easily add it after you have fired up, so to make life easier for you as you tune in the Hybred, I'd fire with water only and have plan 'B' in my back pocket. I'm sure someone close to you has a transfer pump you can borrow(for the non tox), if not, you could purchase one and keep it on hand. They are sure handy if you winterize cottages or seasonal homes. I'm PMing right now to get the missing parts list.
If the terms: Should-A, Could-A, Would-A has been something you are aware of, head off to the Supply House Monday, and after test firing on water and tuning for a week or two, I'd post: It's done, and I'm sleeping well. The heck with counting on after an event decisions, freeze-ups suck! I will be over in your area a few times this fall, I'll bring a pump if necessary, if that is what you decide to do. (Castleton State student.....err, expense)

 
cabinover
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Other Heating: LP Hot air. WA TX for coal use.

Post by cabinover » Sat. Oct. 24, 2009 2:11 pm

WN, here's the pics you asked about.

Attachments

Ashing motor.JPG
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Back.JPG
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Back2.JPG
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Bottom.JPG
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Ratchet gear.JPG
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Side.JPG
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