Fulton pulse boilers

[Luke84]

I'm a first year service fitter out of local 455 and I ran into a Fulton pulse boiler today at work. I was wondering if anyone could explain to me how these things work. I've never run across one before. I'm pretty new and am trying to gain as much of an understanding of the equipment I'm dealing with as possible.

[meplumber]

Here is a brochure. if you look at page 5, you will see a pretty good description of how it works. Just remember that on the Pulse, there are effectively no moving parts.

[FultonBoiler]

Thanks for linking the brochure, meplumber.

As you will read in the brochure, Pulse combustion is maintained through a series of positive and negative pressures, which draw in additional gas and air as required. An initial spark ignites the Pulse process, and the process will sustain itself until the water temperature setpoint is reached. This self aspirating design does not require a blower motor and decreases venting diameter requirements.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask!

[71 gibby]

I have a Pulse question.

What would cause a code 54 "combustion pressure" issue? I have a Pulse that will lock out on this every so often, replaced pressure switch and it ran fantastic for about 2 months, now received a call that it has locked out on this again.

Thanks!

[FultonBoiler]

What would cause a code 54 "combustion pressure" issue? I have a Pulse that will lock out on this every so often, replaced pressure switch and it ran fantastic for about 2 months, now received a call that it has locked out on this again.

One of the primary causes of code 54 is low gas pressure to the inlet of the gas train. The minimum gas pressure at all times is 7" WC.

Another possible cause could be your venting. How many elbows and what lengths of pipe are on your intake and exhaust?

When was the last time the boiler had a full PM where the gas flappers, air flappers and spark plug were changed?

If you can provide additional details I can try to answer your question better. Alternatively, you can contact our service department directly at (315) 298-7148.

[ascj]

I have a Pulse question.

What would cause a code 54 "combustion pressure" issue? I have a Pulse that will lock out on this every so often, replaced pressure switch and it ran fantastic for about 2 months, now received a call that it has locked out on this again.

Thanks!

The most common issue to cause that code, is failure to fire. Now that can be caused by a number of different things.

Start by doing a full service on the unit, including combustion tests. Then calibrate the air switch(not the combustion switch) and see how you make out.

[71 gibby]

Been away for awhile!

As an update I Had (2) Phw-1400 locking out on combustion pressure and found both had the brass orifices that vibrated to the point that the threads had allowed them to lower in the combustion chamber threading (for lack of better words), permitting gas to flow around the orifice on the top side.
Replaced both with brass orifices and all is good thus far.

I think I maybe I should have replaced with the stainless steel version however.?????

[FultonBoiler]

Been away for awhile!

As an update I Had (2) Phw-1400 locking out on combustion pressure and found both had the brass orifices that vibrated to the point that the threads had allowed them to lower in the combustion chamber threading (for lack of better words), permitting gas to flow around the orifice on the top side.
Replaced both with brass orifices and all is good thus far.

I think I maybe I should have replaced with the stainless steel version however.?????
Sorry for the delay in response, I have also been away on vacation. :cheers:

Yes, the stainless would be a permanent fix. You can contact our service department if you would like to go that route. They would need to know the NB cycles, hours, and site information.