Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

Outdoor Furnaces - Manufacturers WITH EPA-Certified Models => Portage & Main => Topic started by: FareNorth on October 06, 2014, 09:38:51 PM

Title: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on October 06, 2014, 09:38:51 PM
Wanted to introduce myself as a new owner of the P&M BL 2840. I am located in the NorthWest area in Maine.

After reading many positive things about the P&M boilers, I made a trip to see Slim Jim and some of his demo boilers. After a very short time of asking questions and poking at the boilers, I was sold.

Made my payment as others have here. Then arranged pickup at The Common Ground Fair. Never attended this fair and recommend it to anyone in the area.  Kudos to Slim Jim and his buddy who offloaded the boiler to my flastbed trailer. He also parted a great deal of info to me verbally which made sense at the time. However I was so tired from the day and  excited about my new found liberty with this purchase, I unfortunately forgot much of the info that was passed along.  :-[

So I will be reviewing info here and probably be asking for info already covered. I am trying to do much of the work myself, so if anyone has images or examples I can use as a guide, it is really appreciated.

I will update this thread with photos (as soon as I am allowed) and as I make progress

Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Jwood on October 06, 2014, 09:52:53 PM
Welcome aboard Farenorth!
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: slimjim on October 07, 2014, 04:39:04 AM
Lyndon is coming down today to pick up some parts from the truck arriving this morning, do you need anything FareNorth, he could bring it up to his place. WELCOME ABOARD!!!!!!
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: randy_1 on October 07, 2014, 04:06:16 PM
Welcome ... I am Mighty jealous of your purchase I might add... Where in western maine are you I'm in dover foxcroft
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on October 07, 2014, 08:04:17 PM
Slimjim,

ML is shipping the ends for the logstor. Once I get the line buried, I will start working on the plumbing and electrical inside. For now just running it to my forced air system. Then a line to my garage. Got a Modine type heater for cheap, so that will be my quick heat source for this winter or that's the current plan.

Next year, I hope to modify the setup for DHW and install radiant floor heating. Just estactic to be free of my oil bill going forward.

Randy,

I am located in Abbot, just a stones throw from you. I have close to 20 acres of woods that will be supplying my boiler something to chew on over winter :)

Also have a place in Dover just over Guilford border. Have a few acres of mature sugar maples that give me some Maine Maple syrup.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: slimjim on October 08, 2014, 04:14:37 AM
Yes FareNorth, the truck just came in yesterday, I pulled 8 pex by copper for you and ML will be shipping them today, we have some of the termination ends for the logstor as well if you like, most folks don't bother with them but they do clean up the install a bit, would you like for her to ship you 4 of those as well?
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: randy_1 on October 08, 2014, 03:53:36 PM
The electrician that helped me with my install is from abbot. Don't hesitate to holler if you have any questions or concerns this is my second year with p&m. Great company, great support,
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Big Wood on October 10, 2014, 03:11:56 AM
Farnorth why wait to do the DHW its not that big of expense and not that hard to do plus all the HOT WATER YOU WANT you might as well cut another PUC out of the picture enjoy
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on October 11, 2014, 07:17:38 PM
Tomorrow I plan on wrestling the logstor pipe into the trench.

Would anyone have a picture or link of their setup of wiring etc on the backside of a 2840?
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Crow on October 12, 2014, 05:51:24 AM
 There are a few pics in here somewhere but I did find one of EE Farmboys in his installation.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Big Wood on October 12, 2014, 02:02:01 PM
Northwest leave some slack on the Logstor pipe for movement in the slab don't make it a ridged hook up run 12/2 under ground wire some in case it in 1" pvc conduit up to you
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on October 15, 2014, 07:07:02 AM
I have FedEx and UPS showing up everyday now with bits and pieces I need for the install. Just got the exchanger that will go in my forced air system. I am not ready for the inside work but trying to plan ahead. I assume I put the exchanger in the hot air side? Does it matter? Pros or cons or missing the boat all together?

Hoping that by working a bit each weekend, I will have this running by Thanksgiving. Luckily past few days have been mild but know Winter can strike and stay any day up here. Stranger things have happened over the years and know Murphy's law all too well. : )
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Jwood on October 15, 2014, 07:48:31 AM
If you can put your exchanger on the supply side that is better not all installs allow it remember if its on the return side you are also heating your fan to near 180 degrees which could possibly shorten the life of you fan.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on October 16, 2014, 12:26:35 AM
Jwood, thanks for the info. It's the experience of people such as yourself that bring value to this forum. Hope to one day assist others here as well once I get some experience with the system.

Ran some electrical lines today in conduit. This weekend will poke holes in house and boiler for hookup. I have had a shed built over my boiler, so I will have some wood nearby and so I am not loading it in the rain/snow.

Also ran some network cables for some external IP cameras I have around my house. Figured I would take advantage of the conduit and trench.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Jwood on October 16, 2014, 01:10:44 AM
It's no problem I've been helped out tons,  that's what makes this site great its not everyone bashing eachother instead we all seem like friends even though most of us have never seen eachother. I will of course always offer help if people need it cause I need quite a bit myself at times. :thumbup:
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on October 19, 2014, 06:40:20 PM
Getting basic parts together for the plumbing portion (Ball valves, 50 plate exhanger, taco pumps, etc) . Wanted to get some feedback/ideas on a plumbing design.

Here is my setup as of now: Have Logstor run from P&M 2840 boiler to basement. Another run of Logstor from basement to detached garage.

Going to run 1" pex to forced air system. Then have the loop connect to the Logstor run to the garage, where I will have a Modine type heater.

Do I or should I put both pumps in basement or better to put one in the rear of the boiler?

I would consider DHW heating but not clear on how this is done, so leaving this as optional only due to my own lack of knowledge.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: slimjim on October 20, 2014, 04:59:05 AM
Fare North, can you post a drawing of what you want to do, it is easier for me to comprehend what you are doing that way, definitely do your hot water at the same time, it just makes sense so include it on the drawing and we'll get you straightened right out!
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on November 01, 2014, 08:40:18 AM
Just finished a shed that will cover my boiler and keep a small supply of dry wood readily available. Anyone suggest a source of metal stove pipe that matches the section that comes with the boiler? Going to add a 4 foot section for now and increase if needed. Just not familiar enough with the stove pipe to order online without some guidance.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Big Wood on November 01, 2014, 01:14:54 PM
Check out the box that came with the boiler for the manufacturer of the stainless pipe and then look it up on line if you need more help call me
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on November 01, 2014, 06:45:28 PM
I was took quick in cleaning up and carton was already burnt and now ash. :(

Think you have my private email if you have info you want to share offline.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Pinehouse4 on November 10, 2014, 08:11:03 PM
Hi FareNorth,

Welcome, there are many experienced and helpfull members here.

I have been using my 34/44 about three weeks now. Love it.

Slimjim will assist you as he has so many others here.

Go for the DHW now if at all possible, might as well start saving some money there too.  :thumbup:

Bob
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Uponthehill on November 10, 2014, 08:49:30 PM
2840 fired up on the 8th of November, 2014.  I too am looking to buy another section of pipe.  Here is the info from the box that came with the OWB.  I could not find online.  Anyone ?   What is the simplest way to post a pic?   I have several of my install, but they are too large.  Keeps telling me to contact an administator....

6L36-CB2  LENGTH ASHT+6"X 36" CB
Securite' Fabrication Syndicate
Made in Canada
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Big Wood on November 12, 2014, 04:45:13 AM
http://www.powrmatic.ca/data/document/51~v~Fireplace_Chimney_SecureTemp_ASHT_.pdf (http://www.powrmatic.ca/data/document/51~v~Fireplace_Chimney_SecureTemp_ASHT_.pdf)
check this web site out i think this is the company wouldn't hurt to call and see good luck to all
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: sceptre74 on November 12, 2014, 05:26:10 AM
I have the same chimney as you. I tried getting on from them and I think they are just a distributor. However, they did tell me where to get it locally
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on November 12, 2014, 12:15:01 PM
Much appreciate guys!

Slim and Big Wood get another round of kudos of arranging to deliver a two foot section to me in the meantime. This was essential to me firing up the boiler as I needed to get it through the roof of a shed.

So the good news is my boiler is running and my home and basement are warmer than ever! Have plumbing set to connect the loop to my detached garage and DHW.

Without the help of many people here, I would not have been able to get this far. It feels awesome to free myself from the noose of Big Oil and enjoy a more comfortable environment knowing I can provide heat for myself.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on January 14, 2015, 10:38:53 PM
Have compiled some code, sensors tie wrapped to various portions of my boiler plumbing. This shows me what temps each are and updates once a minute.
Ww
Havae it alert me via text/email if temp gets too hot or cold.
(https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_5wGe2Aa7PuMHItSnAwcFhfbUU/edit?usp=docslist_api)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_5wGe2Aa7PuMHItSnAwcFhfbUU/edit?usp=docslist_api (https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_5wGe2Aa7PuMHItSnAwcFhfbUU/edit?usp=docslist_api)
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: Joks79 on January 15, 2015, 01:56:47 PM
FareNorth,
How did you set up the sensors and graphs for your system? I want to do that same thing.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on January 19, 2015, 06:15:16 PM
Used a little Linux system called a Raspberry Pi in conjunction with DS18b20 temp sensors. I have code that tracks the temps of the various loops in my system by the hour, day, week, month and year. I also poked a sensor outside my home, so I can see the outside temps to see how my system behaves against real temps.

It is interesting to see how often the boiler has to cycle based on draw from my forced air system or heater in garage.  Will see if I can post some pics of my data to give you an idea of what I have setup.
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on January 19, 2015, 06:50:50 PM
This is a link to a screenshot from iPad. Again, keep in mind these are external temps of my pipes. So I can see what a baseline is when up to temp. Then I know what is 'normal'. I have it email me when temps get to a set point of being too low or too high.

Let me know your thoughts or suggestions on what you would do or improve.

<img>https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_5wGe2Aa7PuRlF1R0dLZ0pnWU0/view?usp=sharing</img>
Title: Re: BL 2840 - NorthWest Maine
Post by: FareNorth on January 19, 2015, 07:16:18 PM
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_5wGe2Aa7PuOTN1S2Z2NzdQSjA/view?usp=sharing)

(https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_5wGe2Aa7PuOTN1S2Z2NzdQSjA/view?usp=sharing)

Curious if using the '<img src=" URL"> works. Preview shows 'broken' image but hoping when posted it might work? :-\

Interesting that I cant reference/link to an image from Google share....If I am missing the obvious, this is embarrassing. :bash: