Multiple boiler system

[kodzak1981]

Hi.

Could anyone help me on this topic. I need to reconstruct existing heating system. System already have 2 separated boilers (independent stations) and now I am asked to add third one, and to reconstruct everything to be as it should be (multiple bolier system).

I have never done this before and I searched a lot on the net, and found only basic piping connections.

Could someone guide me where to find a real project with 3 boilers and how are they connected with all the valves and following equipment?

Thanks in advance

 

[MechEngNCPE]

You are asking for proprietary information such as a hot water P&ID from a previous project. I would hire an engineer if you are not competent in this area - That's what we are here for.

 

[kodzak1981]

I would also do this, but unfortunately I am that engineer in this case and this is my first project of this kind. So I can't hire anyone but have to come up with a solution.

Thanks

 

[KiwiMace]

Connecting three boilers should not be particularly different than connecting two boilers. You should review the relevant chapters in the standard industry handbooks and use the existing as a template. Obviously the water flow will increase so there will be some scaling up in the distribution.

Any stepping out of your design comfort zone should be done with the review of a mentor.

Tell your boss that this is not your strength and seek training. A one or two day course might be enough to give you confidence.

 

[kodzak1981]

Yea, okay...Thanks for your advices

 

[chicopee]

Many old mills had batteries of steam boilers, so instead of googling, go down to some of the largest libraries in your are and you may be lucky. Also,locations for multiple boilers could in hospitals, so check these out by contacting their engineering staff. Navy ships used to have batteries of steam boilers, so check their references, perhaps available on line; also Hartford Steam boiler could help you out, so approch for a quote on existing and future equipment.
There should be a lot of material on boilers and with a little luck, you should stumble on what you need to know.
One thing that you will perhaps need is to increase the size of the main header to these three boilers.

 

[KiwiMace]

Merging from independent boilers to a three-stage will require substantial modification of the controls. This is very boiler specific, as newer boilers are designed to be ganged up and have integrated controls that plug-and-play with like units.

Older or non-integrating controllers will need a master controller to perform the supervisory functions like start/stop each module, optimal start, provide setpoints, OAT reset, duty rotation, alarm indication etc. This can be done from the BMS with a dedicated controller. The individual boilers should operate with their own controllers for simplicity and safety systems.