Steam Generators

[tripleZ]

My company currently outsources all of our steam treatment work, but we're looking at bringing the process in-house to better control quality, etc. (at the customer's request). I've found several used furnaces and will be comparing those prices against newer units. My question concerns the steam generators/boilers. Currently, the used units do not have steam generators/boilers hooked up to them. The re-seller is not sure of who to recommend. Do any of you have any experience with steam generator companies? And if so, who would you recommend, and who might you avoid?

Abbott is one I'm considering, and I have to check with L&N to see if they have aftermarket generator equipment as well.

Any help you all can offer is much appreciated!

 

[BillPSU]

There is a reasons for purchasing new equipment, one of them is using the manufacturer's expertise to guarantee the process. If you insist in buying used contact the OEM of the equipment and hopefully they will help you with recommendations. If you cannot get anybody's help you are then going to have to learn about the complete process and understand all requirements of the installation. I am sure their are several people here will warn you about boiler codes and safety codes which you will have to meet.

 

[kenvlach]

Hi tripleZ,
It appears you are in Wisconsin, so start with Cleaver-Brooks in Milwaukee. Lots of info ('The Boiler Book,' etc.) on their website.

http://www.cbboilers.com/default.asp

The possible bad news is that air pollution control regulations may not allow installation of a used boiler w/o upgrading to low-NO[sub]x[/sub] burners & controls. Then, testing by a state-certified testing co. may be required, whereas a new boiler may already be pre-certified by the manufacturer. But, not sure about your regs, so check with the DNR:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/permits/

The boiler air pollution control permit application:

http://dnr.wi.gov/permitprimer/air/forms/4530_104.pdf

is trivial compared to California's, but the 6 counties in SE WI may have additional restrictions.

 

[tripleZ]

Thanks to you both.

Yep, I did find out about boiler codes from the furnace manufacturer (who will sell aftermarket boilers). I did get to hear about new control panels, emissions, etc. I also don't have anybody here certified to work on them, so maintenance could be an issue until I can get a guy licensed.

I agree with purchasing new equipment. I'd prefer to, but this is one of those projects where I'm being told to scrimp it to keep the cost reasonable enough not to insult the customer. I'm getting prices on new and will be comparing them to used, but this one is going to be a strict dollars & cents deal.

Ken, thanks for the links! You've saved me a ton of time digging around on the web. Looks like I have more reading to do in addition to my normal weekend homework schedule.

 

[randi]

If you are looking for a relatively small unit, "Cole Parmer" may have one in their catalog.

But remember depending upon upon temeperature, pressure and volume rating some units require government approval (ASME code approval in US), boiler & pressure vessel code approval in Canada by a provincial authority. The unit has to be registered, maintained and inspected routinely by local authorities.