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31
Electronics / ECM Pumps
« on: December 10, 2016, 11:27:50 AM »
I just swapped out the two Grundfos 15-58 pumps on my boiler today with some ECM pumps. The one feeding the house is a new Armstrong 20-20CI which has the same flow curve as the 15-58. The other is a Grundfos Alpha 15-55 which has a slightly lower flow curve. The Alpha is just running a bypass loop since I decided not to heat the building this year that it is connected to.
Both pumps running on high constant speed.
So far I like the Armstrong better.
According to the displays on the the Armstrong, it is using 45 watts and flowing 7 gpm. I connected it to a Kill-a-watt meter and it was a little under 43 watts. (15-58 pump was using 82 watts)
The Alpha display shows 43 watts and was changing from 8-10 GPM. Kill-a-watt showed 43.8w. (15-58 pump on this loop was using 85 watts) I thought this one would have been a lot higher since it is only going through less than 2 feet of pipe and a few corners. I have heard that the GPM reading isn't real accurate on them so maybe it is higher.
I may swap the two at some point just for a better comparison.
Both pumps running on high constant speed.
So far I like the Armstrong better.
According to the displays on the the Armstrong, it is using 45 watts and flowing 7 gpm. I connected it to a Kill-a-watt meter and it was a little under 43 watts. (15-58 pump was using 82 watts)
The Alpha display shows 43 watts and was changing from 8-10 GPM. Kill-a-watt showed 43.8w. (15-58 pump on this loop was using 85 watts) I thought this one would have been a lot higher since it is only going through less than 2 feet of pipe and a few corners. I have heard that the GPM reading isn't real accurate on them so maybe it is higher.
I may swap the two at some point just for a better comparison.
32
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Do you care about how much power your pumps use?
« on: October 04, 2016, 11:08:46 PM »
Just curious what most people's opinions are on this. From comments I have seen over the years it I don't think a lot of people have any idea what it costs to run their pumps.
The price of power can vary a lot in different areas. Some people could be paying several times as much as someone else running the same pump. If you know what your power costs, please post the rates. If you don't know, you should be able to get it off a bill. Look at all the numbers that are x the number of KHW and add them together. Do not include any fixed fees as they are irrelevant what talking how much it is adding to the bill to run one thing.
The price of power can vary a lot in different areas. Some people could be paying several times as much as someone else running the same pump. If you know what your power costs, please post the rates. If you don't know, you should be able to get it off a bill. Look at all the numbers that are x the number of KHW and add them together. Do not include any fixed fees as they are irrelevant what talking how much it is adding to the bill to run one thing.
33
Natures Comfort / Any Nature's Comfort owners still here?
« on: September 28, 2016, 10:07:43 AM »
This section has been quiet lately. Anyone still here?
34
For Sale / 2 year old Nature's Comfort NCB-275G outdoor wood boiler $5500
« on: August 28, 2016, 07:29:11 PM »
Nature's Comfort 275G outdoor wood boiler for sale. It was made in 2014 and exempt from the federal EPA regulations. I upgraded the temperature controller and added low water temp cut off control. The temp controller has a switch to turn off the blower when filling the stove so you don't have to open the back of the stove to get at the switch.
This has been used at my house. I am selling it because I am putting in a Heatmaster G200 for this winter. Asking $5500 or offer.
This has been used at my house. I am selling it because I am putting in a Heatmaster G200 for this winter. Asking $5500 or offer.
35
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Anti-freeze pricing?
« on: August 22, 2016, 04:01:02 PM »
I have a customer that wants to run antifreeze and looking for the best place to point him to.
Hercules Cryo-tek -100 seems to be the most common but the cheapest I have seen it is around $65 for 5 gallons and it is only 55% glycol.
Chemworld has 55 gallon drums of 95% glycol for $899 but it is a lot more per gallon in 5 gallon buckets.
The system is around 100 gallons (Heatmaster G100) that he needs it for and he wants it protected to -20F.
Is there anything cheaper out there that will work?
Hercules Cryo-tek -100 seems to be the most common but the cheapest I have seen it is around $65 for 5 gallons and it is only 55% glycol.
Chemworld has 55 gallon drums of 95% glycol for $899 but it is a lot more per gallon in 5 gallon buckets.
The system is around 100 gallons (Heatmaster G100) that he needs it for and he wants it protected to -20F.
Is there anything cheaper out there that will work?
36
Natures Comfort / New aquastat with low temp shutdown
« on: May 21, 2016, 04:31:41 PM »
I put this together on my Nature's Comfort 275G boiler. I made it by modifying two Ranco controllers. The panel on the outside of the boiler is only about 3/4" thick and there is just one small cable and the sensor wire going to it. I just had to drill a hole in the boiler to run the wires through and then screw it to the tin with sheet metal screws.
In the back of the boiler, I disconnected the cable going to the Honeywell and attached the Ranco parts directly to the electrical box. Both sensors fit in the existing well from the aquastat so nothing was needed to change that.
In the back of the boiler, I disconnected the cable going to the Honeywell and attached the Ranco parts directly to the electrical box. Both sensors fit in the existing well from the aquastat so nothing was needed to change that.
37
Electronics / Honeywell Aquastat
« on: May 02, 2016, 09:35:21 PM »
Today the temp suddenly changed about 6 degrees on it's own. It was apparently something to do with filling it because it happened after the next cycle. I have never noticed it happening before. Has anyone else ever noticed anything like that? I think I will replace it with a Ranco controller.
(I filled it at about 8 this morning, see pic)
(I filled it at about 8 this morning, see pic)
38
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Wood only Grates
« on: April 07, 2016, 10:06:31 PM »
I am looking for some info on the grates in various boilers. Just interested in non shaker grate types.
What size material is it made of and size of slots / openings. How well it works and if you think it would be better with either wide or narrower openings. Also please mention if there is anything else you don't like or think should be different with the design and how well it is holding up.
Also, if you have ever tried burning coal either by itself or mixed with wood, how well did that work?
What size material is it made of and size of slots / openings. How well it works and if you think it would be better with either wide or narrower openings. Also please mention if there is anything else you don't like or think should be different with the design and how well it is holding up.
Also, if you have ever tried burning coal either by itself or mixed with wood, how well did that work?
39
For Sale / 1-1/4" Aluminum finned tube
« on: March 23, 2016, 06:55:21 PM »
I have a lot of aluminum finned tubing that came out of a greenhouse. I bought it several years ago and thought I would use more of it. It is like baseboard tubing but puts out a lot more heat than the normal 3/4" copper with aluminum fins.
The aluminum pipe is 1-1/4" iron pipe dimensions and can be cut to lengths needed and threaded or just connected with radiator hose. Make an offer if interested. I was hoping not to have to scrap it.
It is located in south central Wisconsin.
The aluminum pipe is 1-1/4" iron pipe dimensions and can be cut to lengths needed and threaded or just connected with radiator hose. Make an offer if interested. I was hoping not to have to scrap it.
It is located in south central Wisconsin.
40
Equipment / Hydraulics question
« on: February 20, 2016, 06:50:33 PM »
I am wanting to put a forklift mast on the Toolcat for unloading heavier stuff but I am not sure how to connect a single acting cylinder. Is there any way to do it?
41
Natures Comfort / Nature's Comfort maintenance reminder
« on: January 14, 2016, 12:29:25 PM »
Nature's Comfort recently sent out this email.
James Van Harn wrote:
>
> With new and existing customers using their boilers in full swing now,
> we'd like to take this time to remind and/or educate you on the
> requirements for water filling, treatment & testing and ash maintenance.
>
> To put it simply from what is contained in all of our manuals, a new
> boiler must be flushed until clean, add 5-20 gallons of water, add
> treatment and then fill the rest of the way.
>
> If not treated immediately in this fashion, the water jacket steel
> corrodes right away a creates a layer of sludge that will settle on
> the bottom of the water jacket, preventing the treatment from
> protecting the steel on the bottom.
>
> Only replace water if treatment was not maintained and the water got
> cloudy from corrosion, then drain and flush out, repeating the above
> steps.
>
> Softened water is the best to use as it removes iron and hardness.
>
> The reason we do not want you to replace water each year is that a new
> batch of water is a whole new batch of dissolved solids that will come
> out of suspension and create an additional layer of sludge.
>
> Don't forget too that ash maintenance is critical and the neglect
> thereof is the primary reason for a firebox leak. Ash left un-stirred
> gets compacted and insulates moisture that is created from every new
> load of fuel from being able to dry out. It sits and festers and the
> steel continually will flake away until a leak develops.
>
> All units must never fall below 150°F as the firebox will sweat and
> condensate on the inside. Minimum operation is 165° with a 15 degree
> differential to allow for a long enough run time to get the firebox
> hot and dry out any moisture & creosote.
>
> Please make sure to require your customers to thoroughly read through
> their entire manual and also familiarize yourself as well to be fully
> educated to better sell and support your customers for the longest
> life possible out of Nature's Comfort wood and coal boilers.
>
> Best regards,
>
> The Nature's Comfort Staff
James Van Harn wrote:
>
> With new and existing customers using their boilers in full swing now,
> we'd like to take this time to remind and/or educate you on the
> requirements for water filling, treatment & testing and ash maintenance.
>
> To put it simply from what is contained in all of our manuals, a new
> boiler must be flushed until clean, add 5-20 gallons of water, add
> treatment and then fill the rest of the way.
>
> If not treated immediately in this fashion, the water jacket steel
> corrodes right away a creates a layer of sludge that will settle on
> the bottom of the water jacket, preventing the treatment from
> protecting the steel on the bottom.
>
> Only replace water if treatment was not maintained and the water got
> cloudy from corrosion, then drain and flush out, repeating the above
> steps.
>
> Softened water is the best to use as it removes iron and hardness.
>
> The reason we do not want you to replace water each year is that a new
> batch of water is a whole new batch of dissolved solids that will come
> out of suspension and create an additional layer of sludge.
>
> Don't forget too that ash maintenance is critical and the neglect
> thereof is the primary reason for a firebox leak. Ash left un-stirred
> gets compacted and insulates moisture that is created from every new
> load of fuel from being able to dry out. It sits and festers and the
> steel continually will flake away until a leak develops.
>
> All units must never fall below 150°F as the firebox will sweat and
> condensate on the inside. Minimum operation is 165° with a 15 degree
> differential to allow for a long enough run time to get the firebox
> hot and dry out any moisture & creosote.
>
> Please make sure to require your customers to thoroughly read through
> their entire manual and also familiarize yourself as well to be fully
> educated to better sell and support your customers for the longest
> life possible out of Nature's Comfort wood and coal boilers.
>
> Best regards,
>
> The Nature's Comfort Staff
42
Electronics / Add on kit to shut fan off when fire goes out.
« on: September 03, 2015, 03:49:02 PM »
I am thinking about putting together a kit to shut off the blower when the temperature drops below a set point. It would have a button that you push when starting a fire so it can get back up to temperature and the boiler's aquastat would take over again.
Is this something that anyone would be interested in? If so, I am looking for some feedback on connections on different boilers so it would be universal and work on all or at least most brands.
Right now I am planning on using ranco controllers but if the price is a problem, cheap snap switches would lower the price quite a bit but may be more difficult to mount. Also, thoughts on whether metal clad wire would be required or if just normal cord would be ok. I would prefer the normal cord since it is a lot easier to work with but either can work fine.
I just finished building one to test and everything looks good. I will probably be putting it on one of my customer's boiler.
Is this something that anyone would be interested in? If so, I am looking for some feedback on connections on different boilers so it would be universal and work on all or at least most brands.
Right now I am planning on using ranco controllers but if the price is a problem, cheap snap switches would lower the price quite a bit but may be more difficult to mount. Also, thoughts on whether metal clad wire would be required or if just normal cord would be ok. I would prefer the normal cord since it is a lot easier to work with but either can work fine.
I just finished building one to test and everything looks good. I will probably be putting it on one of my customer's boiler.
43
Equipment / Hydraulics???
« on: February 10, 2015, 10:32:02 PM »
Anyone here know anything about hydraulics?
I am wanting to put another valve on my Kubota RTV for lifting and turning the plow. As far as I can figure, if you have a power beyond port on the existing valve you can do it. How do you find out if you have that? If it doesn't have it, can you use a new valve with the option and reroute the flow to the new valve first and then back?
I am thinking about getting a joystick style valve so one one lever to lift and turn. I would be trying to mount on the dash but not sure if there is room or not. If I can make that work, would the additional hose between the original valve next to the seat and the dash mounted valve be an issue? Would 1/4" hose be ok still or would I have to go larger?
My other option is to just use an electric selector valve and the existing valve. If I do this it would be kind of annoying to use and I would have to unplug the dump bed to use it.
Any ideas on where to start with this???
I am wanting to put another valve on my Kubota RTV for lifting and turning the plow. As far as I can figure, if you have a power beyond port on the existing valve you can do it. How do you find out if you have that? If it doesn't have it, can you use a new valve with the option and reroute the flow to the new valve first and then back?
I am thinking about getting a joystick style valve so one one lever to lift and turn. I would be trying to mount on the dash but not sure if there is room or not. If I can make that work, would the additional hose between the original valve next to the seat and the dash mounted valve be an issue? Would 1/4" hose be ok still or would I have to go larger?
My other option is to just use an electric selector valve and the existing valve. If I do this it would be kind of annoying to use and I would have to unplug the dump bed to use it.
Any ideas on where to start with this???
44
For Sale / Thermowell for 1/4" probe. Ranco, etc
« on: October 10, 2014, 09:02:06 AM »
Since these are kind of hard to find, I thought I would post them here. The ID is .26"
Thread is 1/2" npt
Price is $10 each including shipping. If you want several I can do better on the price.
Thread is 1/2" npt
Price is $10 each including shipping. If you want several I can do better on the price.
45
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Anyone with me?
« on: June 22, 2014, 10:58:29 PM »
Like a lot of other people here, I am getting sick of the spam. Since this place has been abandoned by the owner, I registered www.outdoorboilerforums.com and started setting it up. I am hoping to make it what this forum should have been.
I never used forum software before but it seems fairly easy. I could use help getting it going. If you are interested in checking it out, register and post suggestions.
I never used forum software before but it seems fairly easy. I could use help getting it going. If you are interested in checking it out, register and post suggestions.