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FOAMING, PRIMING OR SURGING
These terms are used to describe a fl uctuating water line -
when water leaves the boiler with the steam.
It is caused by any combination of the following:
Threading oil and organic matter in the boiler water.
1.
(Mineral oil, or core sand does not cause surging.)
Follow instructions under “Cleaning Your Boiler.”
Faulty quick vents that do not release air until a
2.
sizeable pressure is built up - if old style, replace - if
dirty, clean so you can easily blow through valve.
Improper header design - when steam fl ows in opposite
3.
direction of equalizer line on “Hartford Loop.” Generally
a 15” horizontal run between riser and main takeoff
will allow entrained water to fall out of the steam vapor
so it can return to boiler. (See Figures 2, 3A & 3B on
pages 7 and 8).
Adjustment of steam limit control to a wide differential
4.
increases diffi culty if quick vents are old style, slow-
releasing type or dirty. Always set steam limit control
differential as low as possible.
Soap and detergents in the boiler water cause extreme
5.
surging. Boiler cleaners and chemical cleaning additives
are not recommended. If used and not rinsed properly,
they will do more harm than good. The cleaning
procedures laid out in these instructions will clean out
the typical oils and impurities found in new boilers
and in residential heating systems. The best thing for
your boiler and heating system is clean water with no
additives.
!
CAUTION
Never refi ll a hot boiler with cold water - the
danger of thermal shock may crack a section.
MAINTAINING YOUR BOILER
BOILER WATER TREATMENT (Other Than Cleaners) In
steam systems where the system is tight, free from leaks,
and all the steam is returned to the boiler as condensate,
the amount of make up water is small. Water treatment is
generally not required.
In steam systems with less than 90% of the steam being
returned as condensate, or with very hard or corrosive
make up water, treatment may be desirable. Follow the
recommendations of your local boiler water treatment
specialist.
BETWEEN HEATING SEASONS
Boilers should not be drained between heating seasons.
Steam boilers should be entirely fi lled with water during the
summer months to exclude air.