85R

Pacowy wrote:Yes, the nameplate says the capacity of the 350 is more like 1.4M btu/hr, so we could really open up the 85R if needed. We're running at about 60 lb/hr, and with that we fill all the radiators with steam and build a small positive pressure but rarely hit the high pressure cutoff. When it hit -20 deg F last winter the stoker ran for about 14 hours/day, so that's about 840 lb - not a ton, but still a workout!

Trying to improve coal and ash handling logistics this year. Aiming to bring the coal to the bin in 55 gallon drums if I can find a reasonable way to dump them into the bin. Suggestions always welcome!

Thanks.

Mike

steamup wrote:

Pacowy wrote:Yes, the nameplate says the capacity of the 350 is more like 1.4M btu/hr, so we could really open up the 85R if needed. We're running at about 60 lb/hr, and with that we fill all the radiators with steam and build a small positive pressure but rarely hit the high pressure cutoff. When it hit -20 deg F last winter the stoker ran for about 14 hours/day, so that's about 840 lb - not a ton, but still a workout!

Trying to improve coal and ash handling logistics this year. Aiming to bring the coal to the bin in 55 gallon drums if I can find a reasonable way to dump them into the bin. Suggestions always welcome!

Thanks.

Mike

Northern tool has a variety of material handling equipment that might be good for ideas.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... -equipment


Most of the time low steam pressure is all you need. Many buildings designed only need 2-3 psi most of the time. Lower the pressure, the easier it will be on fuel. Hint, if you get knocking in the pipes, INCREASE the steam pressure.

Check the nameplate again. If it is 1.4 million "NET IBR" that is output. The boiler could take up to 1.8 million input, not that you need it.

Townsend wrote:Mike, where did you get that awesome barrel for a coal bin? Is that an old wine cask? Love to see some more pics if possible of that set up.

Steve

Pacowy wrote:

steamup wrote:

Pacowy wrote:Yes, the nameplate says the capacity of the 350 is more like 1.4M btu/hr, so we could really open up the 85R if needed. We're running at about 60 lb/hr, and with that we fill all the radiators with steam and build a small positive pressure but rarely hit the high pressure cutoff. When it hit -20 deg F last winter the stoker ran for about 14 hours/day, so that's about 840 lb - not a ton, but still a workout!

Trying to improve coal and ash handling logistics this year. Aiming to bring the coal to the bin in 55 gallon drums if I can find a reasonable way to dump them into the bin. Suggestions always welcome!

Thanks.

Mike

Northern tool has a variety of material handling equipment that might be good for ideas.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... -equipment


Most of the time low steam pressure is all you need. Many buildings designed only need 2-3 psi most of the time. Lower the pressure, the easier it will be on fuel. Hint, if you get knocking in the pipes, INCREASE the steam pressure.

Check the nameplate again. If it is 1.4 million "NET IBR" that is output. The boiler could take up to 1.8 million input, not that you need it.

Thanks for the material handling suggestion. I wish drum dumpers weren't so expensive; hopefully I can cobble together something that will work ok.

I've attached a pic of the nameplate. If I'm reading it correctly, this 7-section boiler is rated (on the second row) for a little over 1.4 million btu/hr gross input.

Mike

Pacowy wrote:

Townsend wrote:Mike, where did you get that awesome barrel for a coal bin? Is that an old wine cask? Love to see some more pics if possible of that set up.

Steve

I'm not sure what it originally was for. I got it from a guy on Craigslist who had used it for a coal bin. It's about 4' high and 4' in diameter, so it holds about 360 gallons/48 cubic feet/1.2 tons. As shown in the pics, I have the bin auger drawing coal from the dispensing door. I have a doghouse inside, but the action of the auger seems to pull some of the coal toward the opening, so I get a little spillage. Right now I'm trying to run it down to empty so I can get a good cleanout of the fines and any weird stuff.

Mike

Pacowy wrote:Thanks.

Were you taking out that Motor Stokor? I hope it has a good home.

Mike