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Beforeseasonalstart up it is advisableto have a
competentserviceagencycheckthe boilerfor soot
and scalein the flues, changeoil filter and nozzle,
clean the burner and readjustburner inputrate to
maintainhigh operatingefficiency.
On steam
boilers
make certain the boiler is filled to
the water line as indicated
in Figure 12. The gauge
cocks should be normally
open. To remove dirt from
the gauge glass the petcock may be opened to flush
out the glass.
The radiator
valves
on a one-pipe
steam
system
must
be either
wide
open or tightly
shut.
Do not
attempt
to regulate
room temperature
by partially
closing the radiator
valve.
Air vents
on steam
radiators
and the supply
main
release
air from the system.
If radiators
do not heat
satisfactorily,
make sure the air vents are clean and
operational.
The lever of the pressure
relief valve on the boiler
(Figure
12) should be operated
periodically
to make
sure that it is functioning
properly.
The venting system should be inspected
at the start
of each heating
season.
Check the vent pipe from
the boiler to the chimney for signs of deterioration
by
rust or sagging
joints.
Repair
if necessary.
Impurities in boiterwater
of a steam boiler may cause
foaming
and an unsteady
water
line, or prevent
steam generation.
They may result in objectionable
odors escaping
from the vents on water boilers. This
condition
is caused
by oil, grease,
and sediment
from pipe fittings collecting
within the boiler and can
be remedied
only
by giving
the boiler a thorough
cleaning.
BOILERS
SHOULD
BE CLEANED
BY SKIMMING
OR BLOWING
DOWN.
he boiler
should
not be left unattended
dur
_,ing the cleaning
process.
1
Some of the impurities
in the boiter water will float on
the water and must be skimmed
off.
With the boiler empty and cool, slowly begin to add
water. After water has entered
boiler - never before
- turn "on" oil burner
and adjust water flow so that the
water being added is kept just below
boiling point.
Avoid boiling and turbulence.
The
safety
valve
should
open
before
the steam
pressure
exceeds
the 15 lb. reading on the gauge.
(Figure
12) If this pressure
is exceeded
and the
safety valve does not open, it must be replaced.
If the
safety valve leaks steam when the boiler is operating
at
normal
pressures,
it should
be immediately
replaced.
Corrosion
can build up rapidly at the valve
seat and prevent
its functioning
as a safety device.
If the water in a steam boiler appears
to be dirty or
oily, or the water level in the gauge glass fluctuates
considerably,
the boiler should be cleaned.
A com-
petent
service
person
will use approved
cleaning
compounds
and properly
clean
and flush out the
boiler. He/she should also clean or replace
air vents
and traps, clean flue passages
and check for proper
operation
of all controls
and safety devices.
Gradually
raise
hot water
level to skimming
hole
(Figure 6) installed
on the rear section of the boiler
being careful not to raise it above the opening
of the
hole. Skim until there are no impurities.
Repeat the
process
if necessary.
Water may be checked
to make sure it is free from
oil by drawing
off a sample
at the skimming
hole. If
the sample is reasonably
free from oil, it will not froth
when boiled on stove. This test does not indicate the
amount of sediment
which may lay in the bottom of
the boiler. It is therefore
necessary
that the boiler be
further
cleaned
by "blowing
down."
Before blowing down the boiler, fill it to the water line.
Turn
on burner
and allow
five pounds
of steam
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