Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => Plumbing => Topic started by: higgins11 on June 23, 2014, 07:35:29 AM

Title: new install
Post by: higgins11 on June 23, 2014, 07:35:29 AM

Ok here is my situation. I'm looking to install a new outdoor wood boiler for our dairy...........going to run in conjunction with solar hot water panels on the roof

One company who is quoting the install says I need 3 pumps the other company quoting says I can get by with one pump

Here is what I'll be running
Solar panels
hanging heater
pasturizer
hot water heater

how many pumps is enough?

Title: Re: new install
Post by: LittleJohn on June 23, 2014, 07:50:33 AM

Short answer is "YES", you can run on one pump, but it might have to be one BIG OL' PUMP.

It also depends on how you plan to control/manage the system.  I know not easy questions to answer, I woudl start with a rough sketch of how you think you want to run everything, then post image and wait for advice/opinions to roll in.

Title: Re: new install
Post by: higgins11 on June 23, 2014, 08:32:57 AM

32gpm?

Title: Re: new install
Post by: Sprinter on June 24, 2014, 08:33:15 AM

One pump is NO good. Unless it's just one small zone. 5 small pumps can move more GPM and use less electricity than one big pump. Zoning give more control and comfort. But your system layout and loads will determine most of what you will use.
How many exchangers are there? Distance from stove to exchanger(s)

Title: Re: new install
Post by: LittleJohn on June 25, 2014, 06:27:22 AM

Quote from: higgins11 on June 23, 2014, 08:32:57 AM

32gpm?

32 gpm !!!, you would be looking at something like 2" pipe. I want to say that 1.5" maxes out at something like 20-25 gpm.

Title: Re: new install
Post by: Sloppy_Snood on July 02, 2014, 10:38:55 AM

Quote from: Sprinter on June 24, 2014, 08:33:15 AM

One pump is NO good. Unless it's just one small zone. 5 small pumps can move more GPM and use less electricity than one big pump. Zoning give more control and comfort. But your system layout and loads will determine most of what you will use.
How many exchangers are there? Distance from stove to exchanger(s)

Please forgive my ignorance Sprinter but.... is it even worth it (in terms of electricity savings) to use multiple 3-speed pumps for loops and controlled zones?  Return-on investment time might not be worth it but I did want to ask.  Thank you.  Cheers! (http://forums.maxima.org/images/smilies/redbull.gif)

Title: Re: new install
Post by: userdk on July 09, 2014, 01:56:33 PM

If you decide you can or you can't you're absolutely right. I don't know who devised that quote but it's absolutely right.
They can each do it with a different amount of pumps. Good luck to you and whoever you hire!!