Burner Adjustment; Sight Glass; External Inspections - Lattner Boiler Company H.E. Instruction Manual

J.

Burner Adjustment

1. Danger
Only competent personnel familiar with forced draft
burners and having proper test equipment to measure
burner input and analyze flue gases should attempt
adjusting the burner. Refer to the burner manual for
proper settings of the forced draft burner.
2. Insufficient Air
A properly adjusted burner will burn with an orange-blue
flame. If the flame burns brilliant yellow, incomplete
combustion is occurring. A yellow flame will deposit soot
on the boiler heating surfaces and decrease efficiency. A
yellow flame in general terms is caused by too much gas
or too little air. Check burner adjustment, air supply to the
room, proper gas pressure, draft conditions and the
actual gas input according to the gas meter.
3. Excess Air
In adjusting the burner air shutters, it is also important
not to open them too far. Too much air will cause the
burners to backfire when lighting. When burners backfire,
they frequently extinguish the pilot flame. This will shut
down the boiler. Additionally, when there is excess
combustion air, efficiency declines. Heat is wasted
warming the excess air instead of making steam.
K. Sight Glass
1. Maintenance
The sight glass and water gauge set must be properly
maintained in order to observe the boiler water level.
Open the bottom drain cock (on the lower sight glass
fixture) periodically to flush scale and sediment out of the

sight glass.

2. Regular Placement
Replace the sight glass about every six months with new
gaskets and brass washers. The continual movement of
water through the water gauge set wears the sight glass.
The combined effects of wear and high pressure cause
small cracks to develop in the sight glass over a period of
time. Eventually the sight glass will shatter. This is
avoided by replacing the sight glass regularly.
3. Gaskets & Washers
When installing a new sight glass, also replace the
gaskets and brass washers. If the brass washers are not
in place, the gasket will twist, causing the glass to break.
4. Proper Installation
Always be certain the sight glass is cut to proper length.
Make sure the fixtures are plumb. If these two conditions
are not checked, the glass may crack.
L.

External Inspections

1. Maintenance
External inspections are routine observations of the
visible portions of the boiler. By noticing the normal
boiler operation, many problems can be detected before
they become serious.
2. Piping
Check the piping for leaks. This includes steam pipes,
condensate pipes, feedwater pipes, blowdown pipes
and all fittings on the boiler. If leaks are found, tighten
the fittings or connections. If the pipe threads show
extensive corrosion, replace the section of pipe.
Remember, NEVER use galvanized pipe for a steam
system or for condensate lines.
3. Dust & Debris
If dust, lint, or other debris collect on and around the
boiler, then use pressurized air or a rag to clean the
exterior surfaces. Also, it is very important to remove
dust and debris that accumulate inside the boiler panel
box. When working in and around the panel box always
shut the power off at the circuit breaker or disconnect
switch (do not use the boiler switch). Use an air hose to
blow out the panel box and controls.
4. Safety Valve
Check that steam is not leaking from the safety valve. If
the safety valve is not seating properly, then replace it
with a new valve.
5. Level Controls
When making an external boiler inspection, it is also
necessary to inspect the McDonnell Miller and auxiliary
low water cut-off level controls. Disassemble the
McDonnell Miller
Maintenance section. Check for scale build-up in the float
chamber, around the float ball and the float rod. Check
the float for leaks. Hold the float completely submerged
in a bucket of water and look for air bubbles. If the float
leaks or is damaged, it must be replaced. Remove the
auxiliary low water cut-off probe and remove any scale
that has deposited on the probe. Important: Inspect and
clean all interconnecting piping on the auxiliary low water
cut-off and the McDonnell Miller.
6. Surface Rust
Occasionally sheet metal surfaces will rust, especially
near the stack. Water, a normal product of combustion,
and the high temperatures present will cause rust.
Perchloroethylene, used in dry cleaning, will accelerate
corrosion. Check the entire length of the stack to be
sure there is no leakage of combustion gases. Any rust
appearing on the boiler jacket will only affect the boiler's
appearance and should not harm the boiler operation.
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