MPH COLUMBIA BOILER COMPANY
14
CLEANING AND FILLING A NEW STEAM BOILER
Note: The following procedures are for steam boilers only.
In order to minimize the corrosive effects of raw water oxidation on the boiler, the water must be
heated to at least 180F immediately after entering the boiler, in order to drive off the corrosive
dissolved gases. This applies to all water - whether from a well, a spring, or from the local
municipal water system.
The oil and grease that accumulate in a new steam boiler can usually be washed out by either
procedure.
A. Skimming:
Since oil floats on water, skimming removes these oils from the water surface.
1. The 1" tapping on the back of the boiler can be used for skimming the water surface.
Install a ball valve and piping to a nearby drain.
2. Fill the boiler to the normal waterline.
3. With the boiler firing slowly open the ball valve installed at the skimmer port on the back
of the boiler.
4. Add water to the boiler at a rate that will allow the boiler to maintain a water temperature
between 180-200 F.
Note do not add too much water so that the water level rises
above the skimmer tapping.
5. Continue to allow water to flow from the skim tapping until it appears to be oil free.
6. Once the water appears to be oil free, close the ball valve. The ball valve and piping to
the drain can be left in place or removed is so desired. If the skimming piping is to be
remove the water level must be lowered so that the piping can be removed safely. After
the skimming piping is removed plug the 1" fitting and fill the boiler back to it’s proper
water operating level.
B. Cleaning Compound:
1. Fill the boiler to the normal waterline.
2. Remove the safety valve.
3. Provide a boilout compound of caustic soda and trisodium phosphate in the proportions
of 2-1/2 lbs. of each chemical per 120 gallons of water.
