The Van Wert VA600 Project

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Feb. 06, 2022 7:46 pm

Friday evening after we fired it up it seemed to be struggling. It took over 3 and a half hours to come up to temp. I put the 2.5" motor pulley on it to speed things up a bit.

On Saturday afternoon I put the 2" motor pulley back on and it's pulled through some cold weather so we should be good to go. :yes:
IMG_0001.JPG
.JPG | 327.4KB | IMG_0001.JPG
Maintaining 150 to 180 degrees. Aquastat set at 170.
IMG_0002.JPG
.JPG | 295.4KB | IMG_0002.JPG
2" motor pulley. 5.5 pounds per hour.
IMG_0005.JPG
.JPG | 303.2KB | IMG_0005.JPG
We are running an air setting of 11 to get a more complete burn. At this fan speed the air setting doesn't seem to make much difference from 6 to 11.
IMG_0004.JPG
.JPG | 302.7KB | IMG_0004.JPG
Fire box over fire draft is still negative.
IMG_0014.JPG
.JPG | 318.2KB | IMG_0014.JPG
With these settings the stack never goes over 190.
IMG_0013.JPG
.JPG | 307.6KB | IMG_0013.JPG
We're running the timer at it's minimum setting. It runs for about 15 seconds or so every hour.
IMG_0006.JPG
.JPG | 379.1KB | IMG_0006.JPG
893.8 - 881.8 = 12.0 hours per day.
12.0 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 66 pounds over the passed day.
IMG_0003.JPG
.JPG | 362KB | IMG_0003.JPG
2 days worth of ash.
IMG_0007.JPG
.JPG | 395.8KB | IMG_0007.JPG
The Gofer has officially moved into the basement! :o
IMG_0008.JPG
.JPG | 498KB | IMG_0008.JPG
Flames!!!
IMG_0009.JPG
.JPG | 239.8KB | IMG_0009.JPG
IMG_0010.JPG
.JPG | 227.5KB | IMG_0010.JPG
Current settings;

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 11.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 200, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don


 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Feb. 13, 2022 4:31 pm

Well, we proved that the Van Wert with it's Low & Slow Summertime settings heats the house, garage and DHW just fine during the Winter. I didn't expect that, I actually had to shut off the basement radiator and one of the Livingroom radiators. :o

These will be the last fire pics of the Van Wert for a while. We are switching back over to the Axeman for the rest of the Winter.
IMG_0001.JPG
.JPG | 304.2KB | IMG_0001.JPG
IMG_0002.JPG
.JPG | 278.9KB | IMG_0002.JPG
IMG_0003.JPG
.JPG | 150.7KB | IMG_0003.JPG
976.9 - 893.8 = 83.1 hours, 11.9 hours per day.
83.1 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 475 pounds, 65.3 pounds over the passed day.
IMG_0004.JPG
.JPG | 377.6KB | IMG_0004.JPG
Whoops!
I forgot to get a pic of the ash!
Anyway, it was 52.5 pounds, 11%.

With the fire out in the Van Wert, I'm sure the Gofer will be moving back to the garage. :eh:
IMG_0005.JPG
.JPG | 458.7KB | IMG_0005.JPG
Final settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 11.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 200, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Sep. 25, 2022 1:00 am

This morning we shut down the Axeman in the garage and pumped the heat out of it all day.
20220924_152201.jpg
.JPG | 319.5KB | 20220924_152201.jpg
Then we fired up the Van Wert.
20220924_204625.jpg
.JPG | 298.7KB | 20220924_204625.jpg
20220924_204631.jpg
.JPG | 253.5KB | 20220924_204631.jpg
20220924_204640.jpg
.JPG | 196.4KB | 20220924_204640.jpg
Switched everything over and now we are heating DHW from the Van Wert. This will give us some heat in the basement and that's all we really need to heat the house in the shoulder season.

The plan is to run the Van Wert until we get a real cold snap in December. Then we'll switch over to the Axeman in the garage.
20220924_204709.jpg
.JPG | 258.1KB | 20220924_204709.jpg
20220924_204750.jpg
.JPG | 240.3KB | 20220924_204750.jpg
20220924_204848.jpg
.JPG | 280.6KB | 20220924_204848.jpg
Roll the video Son!!!


-Don

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Sep. 25, 2022 6:40 pm

The Van Wert has been running for a full day now.
20220924_204625.jpg
.JPG | 298.7KB | 20220924_204625.jpg
Time to start tracking run time.

982.8 is the current hour meter reading.
IMG_0005.JPG
.JPG | 394.4KB | IMG_0005.JPG
Current settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 200, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Oct. 02, 2022 4:55 pm

We fired up the VA-600 8 days ago. Now we have the first 7 day run in the book.
IMG_0005.JPG
.JPG | 298.7KB | IMG_0005.JPG
Just waking up for a heat call.
IMG_0006.JPG
.JPG | 263.6KB | IMG_0006.JPG
1014.6 - 982.8 = 31.2 hours, 4.5 hours per day.
31.2 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 171.6 pounds, 24.5 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.

24.5 pounds per day is kind of high. I am expecting more like 14 pounds per day.

2 ashpans about 1/3rd full of some pretty light ash.
IMG_0004.JPG
.JPG | 393.1KB | IMG_0004.JPG
The Gofer is back in business!
IMG_0001.JPG
.JPG | 430.2KB | IMG_0001.JPG
Current settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 190, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Oct. 09, 2022 8:47 pm

7 more days in the book...
IMG_0001.JPG
.JPG | 328.9KB | IMG_0001.JPG
IMG_0002.JPG
.JPG | 366.9KB | IMG_0002.JPG
1049.2 - 1014.6 = 34.6 hours, 4.9 hours per day.
34.6 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 190.3 pounds, 27.2 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.
IMG_0003.JPG
.JPG | 377.4KB | IMG_0003.JPG
I guess that's not to bad. Heating season started kind of early this year.

Ashpan is pretty full of light ash.
IMG_0005.JPG
.JPG | 441.1KB | IMG_0005.JPG
The bin was pretty much level 2 weeks ago.
The Gofer is getting hungrier!
IMG_0004.JPG
.JPG | 435.4KB | IMG_0004.JPG
Current settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 190, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Oct. 16, 2022 5:22 pm

This week we started running a trickle of heat out to the Axeman in the garage. Wonder how much coal that uses?
20221016_162350.jpg
.JPG | 299.5KB | 20221016_162350.jpg
1089.5 - 1049.2 = 40.3 hours, 5.8 hours per day.
40.3 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 221.7 pounds, 31.6 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.

That's about 4.5 pounds more per day than last week. I guess I can live with that.
20221016_162406.jpg
.JPG | 274.1KB | 20221016_162406.jpg
34.5 pounds of ash, 24%.
20221016_162642.jpg
.JPG | 426.9KB | 20221016_162642.jpg
The 'Ol Gofer is pretty well dug in now!
20221016_162430.jpg
.JPG | 415.2KB | 20221016_162430.jpg
Current settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 190, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don


 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Oct. 23, 2022 6:12 pm

A bit chillier than normal this week.
IMG_0001.JPG
.JPG | 330.3KB | IMG_0001.JPG
1138.1 - 1089.5 = 48.6 hours, 6.9 hours per day.
48.6 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 267.3 pounds, 38.2 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.
Wow, thats a lot!
IMG_0002.JPG
.JPG | 377.7KB | IMG_0002.JPG
44.5 pounds of ash. If this keeps up we'll have to do 2 ashpans a week.
IMG_0003.JPG
.JPG | 396.9KB | IMG_0003.JPG
The Gofer hole is pretty big now!
IMG_0004.JPG
.JPG | 456.6KB | IMG_0004.JPG
Current settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 190, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don

 
User avatar
Retro_Origin
Member
Posts: 914
Joined: Sun. Feb. 21, 2021 7:46 pm
Location: Schuylkill county
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1957 Axeman Anderson 130
Coal Size/Type: Buckwheat / Pea

Post by Retro_Origin » Sun. Oct. 23, 2022 8:09 pm

StokerDon wrote:
Sun. Oct. 23, 2022 6:12 pm
38.2 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.
That's about exactly where I am with this 30@night 50+during the day. I'm interested to see how much it flattens out when it's constantly cold. Thanks for posting your findings, it's really interesting. Years in the future some young teenage kids will stumble upon this website when all of us are dead and gone and it will be like hidden treasure learning how things were "back in the old days"....

 
lincolnmania
Member
Posts: 2684
Joined: Fri. Jan. 26, 2007 9:55 pm
Location: Birdsboro PA.
Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 350
Hot Air Coal Stoker Furnace: reading allegheny stoker
Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: alaska kodiak stoker 1986. 1987 triburner, 1987 crane diamond
Coal Size/Type: rice

Post by lincolnmania » Sun. Oct. 23, 2022 9:30 pm

Looks good!
i'm going to have to start weighing my coal going in the barrel.

I filled my ash tubs with coal because my bin was full. so far since lighting the boiler last week have added one bushel of coal to the boiler. the insulation on the primary loop seems to be helping. house set for 70 and garage 50, ash tub about 1/3 full.

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Oct. 30, 2022 9:20 pm

Thanks Guys!

7 more days...
IMG_0001.JPG
.JPG | 308.5KB | IMG_0001.JPG
1184.4 - 1138.1 = 46.3 hours, 6.6 hours per day.
46.3 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 254.7 pounds, 36.3 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.
IMG_0002.JPG
.JPG | 367.2KB | IMG_0002.JPG
41.5 pounds of ash, 16%.
IMG_0004.JPG
.JPG | 526.6KB | IMG_0004.JPG
The Gofer hole is deep now!
IMG_0003.JPG
.JPG | 504.4KB | IMG_0003.JPG
Current settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 190, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Mon. Nov. 07, 2022 6:27 pm

A day late but here I am!
IMG_0006.JPG
.JPG | 309.5KB | IMG_0006.JPG
1229.7 - 1184.4 = 45.3 hours, 6.5 hours per day.
45.3 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 249.2 pounds, 35.6 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.
35 pounds a day is a lot considering how warm its been down here. We've had highs in the 70's, a couple days close to 80. :o
IMG_0007.JPG
.JPG | 351.8KB | IMG_0007.JPG
38 pounds of ash, 15%.
IMG_0009.JPG
.JPG | 420.3KB | IMG_0009.JPG
That Gofer hole is getting close to the auger now! :what:
IMG_0008.JPG
.JPG | 409.2KB | IMG_0008.JPG
Current settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 190, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Nov. 13, 2022 7:05 pm

NEW WATER HEATER!

Ziggy87 pulled this out in working condition. It's a newer version of the BoilerMate that I was using before it failed last year.
IMG_0018.JPG
.JPG | 358.5KB | IMG_0018.JPG
IMG_0019.JPG
.JPG | 333KB | IMG_0019.JPG
I flushed it out and then pressured it up yesterday. It was still pressured up this afternoon, so I guess its a good one.
IMG_0021.JPG
.JPG | 338.1KB | IMG_0021.JPG
I also got a couple 007 pumps with it.
IMG_0020.JPG
.JPG | 266.1KB | IMG_0020.JPG
I wrestled it into the basement, with a little help from the old truck.
IMG_0022.JPG
.JPG | 255KB | IMG_0022.JPG
IMG_0023.JPG
.JPG | 211.1KB | IMG_0023.JPG
IMG_0024.JPG
.JPG | 271.1KB | IMG_0024.JPG
Sometime in the future I will install it.
IMG_0027.JPG
.JPG | 304KB | IMG_0027.JPG
It was pretty warm this week but last night a cold front blew in and its gonna be cold this week.
IMG_0015.JPG
.JPG | 289.1KB | IMG_0015.JPG
1267.5 - 1229.7 = 37.8 hours, 5.4 hours per day.
37.8 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 207.9 pounds, 29.7 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.
IMG_0016.JPG
.JPG | 322.1KB | IMG_0016.JPG
We have moved to 2 ashpans per week now.
IMG_0025.JPG
.JPG | 399.9KB | IMG_0025.JPG
IMG_0026.JPG
.JPG | 464KB | IMG_0026.JPG
Gofer action.
IMG_0017.JPG
.JPG | 381.7KB | IMG_0017.JPG
Current settings,

Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 190, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don

Attachments

IMG_0021.JPG
.JPG | 338.1KB | IMG_0021.JPG

 
ziggy87
Member
Posts: 311
Joined: Sat. Oct. 25, 2014 11:22 am
Location: Halifax, Pa
Stoker Coal Boiler: axeman anderson 130
Coal Size/Type: Pea

Post by ziggy87 » Tue. Nov. 15, 2022 11:33 pm

Your welcome. Glad to see it’s close to its new home!

 
User avatar
StokerDon
Site Moderator
Posts: 7486
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

Post by StokerDon » Sun. Nov. 20, 2022 7:00 pm

Benn pretty cold here this week, its 28* and breezy right now. :o
IMG_0032.JPG
.JPG | 314.7KB | IMG_0032.JPG
Cold enough to fire up the Harman for the weekend!
IMG_0034.JPG
.JPG | 194KB | IMG_0034.JPG
I'll probably let it run till tomorrow. Daytime highs will be about 50 by Tuesday.

1338.7 - 1267.5 = 71.2 hours, 10.2 hours per day. Wow, thats almost twice as much as last week!
71.2 x 5.5 pounds per hour = 391.6 pounds, 55.9 pounds per day over the passed 7 days.
What a difference a week makes! :o
IMG_0033.JPG
.JPG | 429.6KB | IMG_0033.JPG
Sorry, no ash this week. It went out with the Harman ash yesterday.

That Gofer is plenty hungry these days!
IMG_0035.JPG
.JPG | 517.8KB | IMG_0035.JPG
Feed Rate = 5.5 pounds per hour. (Rice coal, 2.0" drive pulley, 25 tooth auger sprocket).
Air = 5.5.
Aquastat = LO = 170, HI = 190, DIFF = 10.
Timer = About 15 seconds every hour.

-Don


Post Reply

Return to “Stoker Coal Boilers Using Anthracite (Hydronic & Steam)”