Yellow Flame, A Christmas Stoker Boiler
- StokerDon
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 7496
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 11, 2013 11:17 am
- Location: PA, Southern York County!
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ-5, Van Wert VA-600, Axeman Anderson130 X3.
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: Harman SF3500 reduced down to 3 grates connected to its own plenum
- Coal Size/Type: Rice, Chestnut and whatever will fit through the door on the Harman
- Other Heating: Noth'in but COAL! Well, Maybe a little tiny bit of wood
Today I finished cleaning and painting all of the stoker mech parts, assembled it on the bench and tested it. I was trying to upload a video, but even my 20MB videos wouldn't load because they are mpg files, whatever that means. That being the case, my next post will a series of pairs of photos that show the grate linkage and the grate plate at both ends of there motion. Hopefuly that will be a good discription of how this crazy thing works.
The linkage on this one has a LOT of wear. which again makes me wonder how it could have maintained a fire, same thing I thought when I saw the crusted up blower! The grate plate was so far down the ramp that during most of the stroke, the bottom of the grates were exposed, air was blowing right out the front instead of the grate holes!
Anyway, this is what it looks like now. -Don
The linkage on this one has a LOT of wear. which again makes me wonder how it could have maintained a fire, same thing I thought when I saw the crusted up blower! The grate plate was so far down the ramp that during most of the stroke, the bottom of the grates were exposed, air was blowing right out the front instead of the grate holes!
Anyway, this is what it looks like now. -Don
- StokerDon
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 7496
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 11, 2013 11:17 am
- Location: PA, Southern York County!
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ-5, Van Wert VA-600, Axeman Anderson130 X3.
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: Harman SF3500 reduced down to 3 grates connected to its own plenum
- Coal Size/Type: Rice, Chestnut and whatever will fit through the door on the Harman
- Other Heating: Noth'in but COAL! Well, Maybe a little tiny bit of wood
Yes, it has a shoulder bolt through it so it rides against the lever and spins freely as the transmition truns. That's one part that isn't worn out!
-Don
-Don
Last edited by StokerDon on Mon. Dec. 30, 2013 9:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Rob R.
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 18004
- Joined: Fri. Dec. 28, 2007 4:26 pm
- Location: Chazy, NY
- Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 520
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Chubby Jr
Good. I think it would be a good idea to hit that with a very light oil once in a while. Enough to keep it lubed, but not enough to accumulate dust...otherwise you create a lapping compound.
- StokerDon
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 7496
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 11, 2013 11:17 am
- Location: PA, Southern York County!
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ-5, Van Wert VA-600, Axeman Anderson130 X3.
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: Harman SF3500 reduced down to 3 grates connected to its own plenum
- Coal Size/Type: Rice, Chestnut and whatever will fit through the door on the Harman
- Other Heating: Noth'in but COAL! Well, Maybe a little tiny bit of wood
First pair of photos, notice the lever connect to the transmition. The yellow part on the linkage is the feed dissable, for when you are lighting the stoker.
Grate plate stroke at the bottom of the ramp.
To be continued...
Grate plate stroke at the bottom of the ramp.
To be continued...
Last edited by StokerDon on Mon. Dec. 30, 2013 9:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- StokerDon
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 7496
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 11, 2013 11:17 am
- Location: PA, Southern York County!
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ-5, Van Wert VA-600, Axeman Anderson130 X3.
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: Harman SF3500 reduced down to 3 grates connected to its own plenum
- Coal Size/Type: Rice, Chestnut and whatever will fit through the door on the Harman
- Other Heating: Noth'in but COAL! Well, Maybe a little tiny bit of wood
Grate stroke, this is more difficult to see.
I'm think'in with it adjusted like this, it will put out a lot of BTU's!!!
-Don
I'm think'in with it adjusted like this, it will put out a lot of BTU's!!!
-Don
- StokerDon
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 7496
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 11, 2013 11:17 am
- Location: PA, Southern York County!
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ-5, Van Wert VA-600, Axeman Anderson130 X3.
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: Harman SF3500 reduced down to 3 grates connected to its own plenum
- Coal Size/Type: Rice, Chestnut and whatever will fit through the door on the Harman
- Other Heating: Noth'in but COAL! Well, Maybe a little tiny bit of wood
Good point Rob, I was going to put grease on it, but your right, lapping compund!Rob R. wrote:Good. I think it would be a good idea to hit that with a very light oil once in a while. Enough to keep it lubed, but not enough to accumulate dust...otherwise you create a lapping compound.
- StokerDon
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 7496
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 11, 2013 11:17 am
- Location: PA, Southern York County!
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ-5, Van Wert VA-600, Axeman Anderson130 X3.
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: Harman SF3500 reduced down to 3 grates connected to its own plenum
- Coal Size/Type: Rice, Chestnut and whatever will fit through the door on the Harman
- Other Heating: Noth'in but COAL! Well, Maybe a little tiny bit of wood
Her are the plumbing parts that I ordered today. My credit card hurts now!
From http://www.badgerinsulatedpipe.com/
Items
Qty Item # Description Price Each Total
4 valves:pex3/4 x 3/4pexbv 3/4 pex x 3/4 pex ball valve
6 valves:pex x pex ball valve1 1 Pex x Pex Ball Valve
1 bp units:bp50 BP-50 50K BTU Hanging Heater
1 coils:inkitair Water to Air installation kit
1 coils:12 x 18 12 x 18 Water to Air Exchanger
50 clamps and rings:ring3/4 3/4 Crimp Ring
20 clamps and rings:ring1 1" Crimp Ring
2 tools:Crimp Tool 1" 1" Crimp Tool
2x1" OB + 2x3/4" x 100' INSULATED PEX BUNDLE
From pexsupply.com
3/4" 374A Relief Valve (30 psi)
SKU: 0358553
Brand: Watts
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
3/4" Quarter Turn Boiler Drain (Drain Cock)
SKU: 0820956
Brand: Watts
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
SX-30V Extrol Expansion Tank (14 Gallon Volume)
SKU: 118-27
Brand: Amtrol
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1/8" Hy-Vent
SKU: 400-4
Brand: Taco
(1)
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
(2)
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" IPS Isolator Flange (Pair)
SKU: 40404
Brand: Webstone
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" Air Scoop
SKU: 431-6
Brand: Taco
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
3/4" Sweat Thermostatic Mixing Valve (Lead Free)
SKU: 75103W
Brand: Webstone
In Stock at Supplier! Ships in 24-48 Hour
1" Full Port Threaded Ball Valve
SKU: HV100T
Brand: Hydrovalve
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1-1/4" Full Port Threaded Ball Valve, Lead Free
SKU: HV125TLF
Brand: Hydrovalve
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" Threaded Swing Check Valve
SKU: SC100T
Brand: Hydrovalve
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1/4" NPT, 3-1/8" Face, Long Probe Temperature & Pressure Gauge (Tridicator)
SKU: TD-165
Brand: Honeywell-Sparco
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" x 1" SharkBite Coupling (Lead Free)
SKU: U020LF
Brand: Cash-Acme
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" x 1" SharkBite Elbow (Lead Free)
SKU: U260LF
Brand: Cash-Acme
Box of 6
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" Sharkbite Disconnect Clip
SKU: U714
Brand: Cash-Acme
Box of 12
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" Sharkbite Disconnect Tongs
SKU: U715
Brand: Cash-Acme
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
Shipping (UPS Ground): FREE
Tax: $0.00
Gotta love that free shipping!
So, as fare as the 1" vs 1.25" PEX wars go, I decided that 1 80KBTU will work OK for this season with 1" PEX. Next year I will put the boiler in the basement and feed the 50KBTU in the garage with the same 1" PEX. What do ya think of $396.95 for 100' of 2x1" OB and 2x.75" insulated PEX!. The place in Falston was $1000 for just the 2x1"!
I also decided that I will buy a new pump for the 1" run up through the attic to the duct heat exchanger, I just don't know which one to buy.
-Don
From http://www.badgerinsulatedpipe.com/
Items
Qty Item # Description Price Each Total
4 valves:pex3/4 x 3/4pexbv 3/4 pex x 3/4 pex ball valve
6 valves:pex x pex ball valve1 1 Pex x Pex Ball Valve
1 bp units:bp50 BP-50 50K BTU Hanging Heater
1 coils:inkitair Water to Air installation kit
1 coils:12 x 18 12 x 18 Water to Air Exchanger
50 clamps and rings:ring3/4 3/4 Crimp Ring
20 clamps and rings:ring1 1" Crimp Ring
2 tools:Crimp Tool 1" 1" Crimp Tool
2x1" OB + 2x3/4" x 100' INSULATED PEX BUNDLE
From pexsupply.com
3/4" 374A Relief Valve (30 psi)
SKU: 0358553
Brand: Watts
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
3/4" Quarter Turn Boiler Drain (Drain Cock)
SKU: 0820956
Brand: Watts
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
SX-30V Extrol Expansion Tank (14 Gallon Volume)
SKU: 118-27
Brand: Amtrol
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1/8" Hy-Vent
SKU: 400-4
Brand: Taco
(1)
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
(2)
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" IPS Isolator Flange (Pair)
SKU: 40404
Brand: Webstone
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" Air Scoop
SKU: 431-6
Brand: Taco
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
3/4" Sweat Thermostatic Mixing Valve (Lead Free)
SKU: 75103W
Brand: Webstone
In Stock at Supplier! Ships in 24-48 Hour
1" Full Port Threaded Ball Valve
SKU: HV100T
Brand: Hydrovalve
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1-1/4" Full Port Threaded Ball Valve, Lead Free
SKU: HV125TLF
Brand: Hydrovalve
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" Threaded Swing Check Valve
SKU: SC100T
Brand: Hydrovalve
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1/4" NPT, 3-1/8" Face, Long Probe Temperature & Pressure Gauge (Tridicator)
SKU: TD-165
Brand: Honeywell-Sparco
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" x 1" SharkBite Coupling (Lead Free)
SKU: U020LF
Brand: Cash-Acme
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" x 1" SharkBite Elbow (Lead Free)
SKU: U260LF
Brand: Cash-Acme
Box of 6
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" Sharkbite Disconnect Clip
SKU: U714
Brand: Cash-Acme
Box of 12
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
1" Sharkbite Disconnect Tongs
SKU: U715
Brand: Cash-Acme
In Stock! Ships in 24-48 Hours
Shipping (UPS Ground): FREE
Tax: $0.00
Gotta love that free shipping!
So, as fare as the 1" vs 1.25" PEX wars go, I decided that 1 80KBTU will work OK for this season with 1" PEX. Next year I will put the boiler in the basement and feed the 50KBTU in the garage with the same 1" PEX. What do ya think of $396.95 for 100' of 2x1" OB and 2x.75" insulated PEX!. The place in Falston was $1000 for just the 2x1"!
I also decided that I will buy a new pump for the 1" run up through the attic to the duct heat exchanger, I just don't know which one to buy.
-Don
- SMITTY
- Member
- Posts: 12525
- Joined: Sun. Dec. 11, 2005 12:43 pm
- Location: West-Central Mass
- Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 520 Highboy
- Coal Size/Type: Rice / Blaschak anthracite
- Other Heating: Oil fired Burnham boiler
Pexsupply.com is great - Rob pointed me in that direction too for my install. Saved me a ton of money .... which I then wasted on multiple F -ups ...
Their customer service is second to NONE. They're FAST, and they'll take stuff back, no questions asked. Does cost return shipping though. I paid for my F -ups more than once ...
Nice paint work on that thing, btw.
Their customer service is second to NONE. They're FAST, and they'll take stuff back, no questions asked. Does cost return shipping though. I paid for my F -ups more than once ...
Nice paint work on that thing, btw.
- StokerDon
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 7496
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 11, 2013 11:17 am
- Location: PA, Southern York County!
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ-5, Van Wert VA-600, Axeman Anderson130 X3.
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: Harman SF3500 reduced down to 3 grates connected to its own plenum
- Coal Size/Type: Rice, Chestnut and whatever will fit through the door on the Harman
- Other Heating: Noth'in but COAL! Well, Maybe a little tiny bit of wood
Thanks Smitty,
I'm just sit'in here hav'in a beer wonder'in what the heck I did today.
-Don
I'm just sit'in here hav'in a beer wonder'in what the heck I did today.
-Don
- coalkirk
- Member
- Posts: 5185
- Joined: Wed. May. 17, 2006 8:12 pm
- Location: Forest Hill MD
- Stoker Coal Boiler: 1981 EFM DF520 retired
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Jotul 507 on standby
- Coal Size/Type: Lehigh anthracite/rice coal
I'm sure your credit card is hurting after all that. But the savings in real, significant dollars is right around the corner. You will never regret it.
- McGiever
- Member
- Posts: 10130
- Joined: Sun. May. 02, 2010 11:26 pm
- Location: Junction of PA-OH-WV
- Stoker Coal Boiler: AXEMAN-ANDERSON 130 "1959"
- Hand Fed Coal Boiler: BUCKET A DAY water heater
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Warm Morning 414A
- Coal Size/Type: PEA,NUT,STOVE /ANTHRACITE
- Other Heating: Ground Source Heat Pump and some Solar
With all your DIY sweat equity invested and low initial boiler outlay, you'll be in the plus column in short time!
Then it's smooth sail'in
Will there be a used coal stove sale coming sometime in the future?
Then it's smooth sail'in
Will there be a used coal stove sale coming sometime in the future?
- CoalHeat
- Member
- Posts: 8862
- Joined: Sat. Feb. 10, 2007 9:48 pm
- Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
- Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
- Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
- Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
- Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert
Buying and installing the EFM is on the short list of my greatest accomplishments.coalkirk wrote:I'm sure your credit card is hurting after all that. But the savings in real, significant dollars is right around the corner. You will never regret it.
- StokerDon
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 7496
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 11, 2013 11:17 am
- Location: PA, Southern York County!
- Stoker Coal Boiler: Gentleman Janitor GJ-5, Van Wert VA-600, Axeman Anderson130 X3.
- Hand Fed Coal Furnace: Harman SF3500 reduced down to 3 grates connected to its own plenum
- Coal Size/Type: Rice, Chestnut and whatever will fit through the door on the Harman
- Other Heating: Noth'in but COAL! Well, Maybe a little tiny bit of wood
PUMP SIZING;
I got my brain working on the pump sizing calcualtion this morning. Using the "Taco Radiant Made Easy Application Guide
Selecting Circulators" that Rob R. posted earlier in this thread ( thank you again Rob) I was able to do the following calculations;
Target flow = 80,000btu(exchanger) / 500(water) X 20(delta T) = 8 Gallons Per Minute
Using 200 feet of PEX pipe for the circuit
Target Operating Point = 0.00223(1"PEX) X 1.0(water) X 200(feet) X 38.055(flow rate to the power of 1.75) =
16.973 Feet of Head Loss.
Using the Pump Selection Chart; 8GPM by 17 Feet = Taco 0014 = $287.95 (ouch)
I will get that ordered today with some o-rings for the 007.
-Don
I got my brain working on the pump sizing calcualtion this morning. Using the "Taco Radiant Made Easy Application Guide
Selecting Circulators" that Rob R. posted earlier in this thread ( thank you again Rob) I was able to do the following calculations;
Target flow = 80,000btu(exchanger) / 500(water) X 20(delta T) = 8 Gallons Per Minute
Using 200 feet of PEX pipe for the circuit
Target Operating Point = 0.00223(1"PEX) X 1.0(water) X 200(feet) X 38.055(flow rate to the power of 1.75) =
16.973 Feet of Head Loss.
Using the Pump Selection Chart; 8GPM by 17 Feet = Taco 0014 = $287.95 (ouch)
I will get that ordered today with some o-rings for the 007.
-Don
Last edited by StokerDon on Wed. Jan. 01, 2014 9:45 am, edited 1 time in total.