4. Electronic Low Water Cut-off: Operation may be checked by opening the drain valve
in the back side of the boiler. This will drain the water from the boiler and break the electronic
circuit to the automatic gas valve.
IMPURITIES IN BOILER WATER 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 CAN BE CLEANED
by skimming or blowing down.
CAUTION:
The boiler should not be left unattended during the cleaning
process.
SKIMMING OFF IMPURITIES
Some of the impurities in the boiler 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 main gas burners and adjust flame at main manual shut-off valve
so that the water being added is kept just below boiling point. Avoid boiling and turbulence.
Gradually raise hot water level to skimming tee, see figure 5 on page 5, installed at the
supply outlet piping of the boiler being careful not to raise it above the opening of the tee.
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 tee. 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.
BLOWING DOWN BOILER
Before blowing down the boiler, fill it to the water line. Light burners and allow five pounds
of steam pressure to build up. Run a temporary connection from one of the drain valves to
a nearby sewer. Connect to a drain valve on the opposite end of the boiler from feed water
inlet, if possible. Shut off the gas burners, open drain valve and blow down the entire
contents of boiler.
Allow boiler to thoroughly cool and slowly refill to water line. Repeat step 2 as many times
as required until blow off water is clear. Owner should blow down boiler at least once each
month of the heating season.
WARNING:
WATER WILL BE BOILING HOT.
USING CLEANING COMPOUND
If an exceptional amount of dirt or sludge seems to be present in the boiler, a boiler
cleaning compound made by a reputable manufacturer may be used according to the
instructions of the manufacturer of the compound. When any type of cleaning compound
is used, care must be taken to thoroughly flush all traces of the compound out of the boiler.
Following blow down allow the boiler to cool. Add fresh water slowly. Be certain to blow
enough times as required to remove compounds from system.
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