surging steam boilers

[eveb]

I am hoping someone can help, I have 2- 7 MBH water tube steam boilers that are gas fired( manufactured by Bryan )they have been in service for about 8 years with no problems, other than normal maint. Recently both Boilers have started to surge when the burner fires, and gets worse as the boiler goes to high fire. I have tried skimming the boilers, doesn't make a difference. any suggestions????

[djk4502]

what do u mean by surge.

[roc service]

The boiler's water line is surging.

Dirty water, a too-high pH, overfiring and improper near-boiler piping can all cause the boiler's water line to surge up and down. If there's an automatic water feeder on the boiler, it will open and close each time the water line rocks. Before long, you'll have a flooded boiler.
Don't blame the automatic water feeder; solve the surging problem by cleaning the boiler, adjusting the firing rate or correcting the improper near-boiler piping.

Copied from Dan Holohan's website. He a genius!

http://www.HeatingHelp.com

Steam problems / Flooded Boiler

[sigma]

Make sure that conductivity is correct. If it is OK, look
for changes on a load side. Any new settings of
pneumatic steam valves causing them to open
faster or wider then before?

[bobby m]

to much chemical treatment can also do it (causes foaming on top of water)try running boilers with stricktly city water and if problem persist.

[boilernazi28]

ok bryan flex tube probaly atmospheric since no burner mfg was noted other than bryan,who we all all know builds steel water tube boilers,,,2.7 mbh i would guess 1" tubes,cl series,,surge is caused by violent boil,,,not by piping,,,,think of this; take an eye dropper an put one drop one your kitchen table ,you will notice it is a self sustaining entity over the covering of the water droplet is called a skin ,if any pollutants infilltrate this skin they are likely to ride on the outer fringes of the:bubble:,,thus in a larger scale form a restince barrier ,therefore raising the boiling point that the :bubble: skin is broached,results are voilent boil,,,known as surging ,repair,,,,drain an flush the boiler ,add fresh water,,redrain ,try using a chemical,,,eight way works great ,,then redrain ,,retreat ,,an you will proberly be ok

[flange]

as stated you have contaminated water in there. this can be from incorrect treatment or suspended solids. in the winter months you may not be able to shut down and take the time to drain the boiler. you can slowly bleed down the water and add fresh water taking care not to shock the system by doing this too fast. these are ralatively small boilers so it shouldnt be too difficult to do. once you get the water cleaned up you should investigate the water treatment program.

[onetime]

I agree with flange, it could very well be the chemicals. this has happened to me mostly with shot feeders, but auto feeders with janitor in the drum chemicals can also cause imbalances.

[eveb]

Thanks for all the input, I was able to turn it over to the chemical company that services the boilers, all is good

[atmosphere]

Could this possibly have been a recent " steam pipe cleaning" situation followed up with a new water treatment contractor dumping mysterious chems into the system??
I know this has been turned over to the water treatment company, but I have a feeling ..it ain't quite over.....

[controldude]

Are all steam to water heat exchangers sound? could be glycol mixing with your boiler condensate.

[atmosphere]

Have you looked at the glass on the condensate tank?
After your daily blow downs... what's on the floor? Could it be real fine red/brown powder?
I'm assuming there is no blowdown aftercooler.
I guess I'm also assuming the daily blow down part.
What chems are they putting in the system?
Polymers? Find out.
I would take the water people to task even if you may not be sure of what's going on. ASK. Press them for info.
It may well end up back at your doorstep after they have made their money on this.