Looking for Boiler Advice, and Possibly a Some Other Advice.

 
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Sting
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Other Heating: OBSO Lennox Pulse "Air Scorcher" burning NG

Post by Sting » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 8:04 am

I would be interested to know how often that return manifold slugs with air in these early stages of operation

 
Mikeeg02
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Stoker Coal Boiler: Axeman Anderson 130
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Coal Size/Type: Rice/Pea

Post by Mikeeg02 » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 8:13 am

We hopefully don't have to worry about that too much. My uncle has made what we call a "flush cart" that he uses for flushing geothermal systems. It basically has a water resovoir, and a pool pump, and 1.25" lines connected to it. We circulated the glycol in both directions for quite some time in only the boiler and main lines. Then we flushed the floor, and everything all together. The flush cart is still connected for now for when we do the house loop, and dump zone. Though I do plan on getting another air vent for the return side, because it is somewhat of a high point. I wasn't sure which type I should use, but I have extra ports available. Is it appropriate to just use the ones that go above the air scoops like what I have on the supply side? Or is there something better?

I also have a filter before the air scoop, with a clear cover so I can see if there are any air bubbles on the supply side. I have been opening the vent from time to time, as my uncle advised me on startup it does make air. He had a more appropriate term for that, but I cannot remember it

 
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Sting
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Post by Sting » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 8:28 am

You can use almost anything to tap the air off that hi point from a cheep generic manual valve boiler drain or hose bib - to an automatic vent as you describe

I was thinking of the all the expensive AF that you would loose but you appear to have that covered

 
Mikeeg02
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Post by Mikeeg02 » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 8:36 am

Expensive AF? Not sure if I recognize that acronym. I do appreciate any comments and criticism. Thats how the best solutions are derived!


 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 8:42 am

Every other forum I have ever been on required external linking, unless you were a premium paid member.
No charge for image hosting here. 8-)

When you are creating your post, look below the text box for the button that says "Upload attachment". It is straightforward from there, but feel free to ask for help if you need it.

 
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McGiever
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Post by McGiever » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 9:05 am

mike,
Looking good :D

couple questions,

where did you find that shiney 5" stove pipe?

is there a slab-stat, or only the room stat?

 
Mikeeg02
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Stoker Coal Boiler: Axeman Anderson 130
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Post by Mikeeg02 » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 9:25 am

5" is 304 stainless that a local Dutchman made for me. Actually he made every piece you see. 5" pipe, 5" tee, 5" to 6" adapter, and the 6" tee. For all of that and a chimney cap made of the same 304ss, was $135!

Room stat only. I have temperature sensors on the supply and return lines to and from the floor. Temp going in the floor is 90. Temp coming back is up to 72. I'm using a three way thermostatic mixers which is the first thing I check every time I go in the shop. Seems to he staying consistently at 90=. From startup to now. It's a Honeywell thermostatic mixer that I was recommended.

Thoughts?

 
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Sting
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Post by Sting » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 9:34 am

so floor is 90

What is the room air temp?


 
Mikeeg02
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Post by Mikeeg02 » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 9:38 am

Room is at 70. Room stat is at 70. Seems pretty consistent so far. Return from the floor seems to be 72-74. I thought that would be closer to the slab temp. I figured as it gets colder outside I may need to bring the supply temperature closer to 100.

 
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Sting
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Post by Sting » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 9:47 am

Sounds good

keep posting great results

 
Mikeeg02
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Post by Mikeeg02 » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 10:29 am

Here are the ashes so far, there aren't a whole lot yet. There are a few pieces of coal, but not a whole lot and I kind of expect that from initial startup. I am pretty impressed so far.
20141023_090427_Android.jpg
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Pacowy
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Post by Pacowy » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 10:30 am

Mikeeg02 wrote:Expensive AF? Not sure if I recognize that acronym. I do appreciate any comments and criticism. Thats how the best solutions are derived!
I think he meant anti-freeze.

Mike

 
Mikeeg02
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Post by Mikeeg02 » Thu. Oct. 23, 2014 10:44 am

Now I feel a little bit special. I kind of thought thats what he was referring to, just didnt put the term anti-freeze together. Since I was calling it propylene glycol. Which I might add I got a super good deal on! I got (3) 55 gallon drums of 20% (I checked it with a refractory meter) for the price of configuring (3) wifi thermostats. :!: What a bargain! A friend of mine was doing replacing some older geo-thermal units in a gentlemans house, and the owner requested them to remove and replace the glycol mixture! So to properly dispose of it, I put it in my system. 8-)

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