EFM DF520 steel plates

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coalkirk
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Post by coalkirk » Mon. Mar. 19, 2018 9:21 am

So I'm officially out of coal and shut down as of Saturday 3/17. Sunday I started cleaning out the boiler, removing the vent pipe, baffle and steel plates. These plates hang on rather stout hooks. The left plate came off fairly easily but the right one was a wrestling match. The hooks seem unnecessarily long and curved. I can forsee lots of cussing trying to get it back on. Anyone have any tips for this procedure?

 
coaledfeat
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Post by coaledfeat » Mon. Mar. 19, 2018 11:46 am

When I installed our EFM 520 a few years back, the plates were my first concern. I cut them as short as think they
to be to support the plates. I also welded a half inch threaded nut to the upper center so I can thread a long bolt
to use as a handle. It seems to help to file out the holes each season. After a good cleaning I put a small fan in the
smoke outlet to keep Nicole dry. Worked so far! Be sure to get enough coal this season. Keep posting, Gary.

 
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StokerDon
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Post by StokerDon » Mon. Mar. 19, 2018 6:05 pm

Ha Ha!

-Don


 
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CoalJockey
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Post by CoalJockey » Mon. Mar. 19, 2018 7:04 pm

On each plate I welded a 4 inch long piece of round stock on a slight downward angle. I welded them right in the middle and they seem to balance very well and give me something kind of meaty to grab ahold of. I like coaledfeats idea too, that will allow for a longer handle to be used.

You can see mine behind the fire in this photo.

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Scottscoaled
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Post by Scottscoaled » Mon. Mar. 19, 2018 7:33 pm

One of my boiler customers welded big lug nuts on the front of each plate and made a tool to take them off. It looked like a rake with all the teeth broke off but two. He could reach in without having to shut the boiler down and remove the plates and give it a quick brush down.

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Mon. Mar. 19, 2018 8:52 pm

coalkirk wrote:
Mon. Mar. 19, 2018 9:21 am
So I'm officially out of coal and shut down as of Saturday 3/17. Sunday I started cleaning out the boiler, removing the vent pipe, baffle and steel plates. These plates hang on rather stout hooks. The left plate came off fairly easily but the right one was a wrestling match. The hooks seem unnecessarily long and curved. I can forsee lots of cussing trying to get it back on. Anyone have any tips for this procedure?
I am not sure what your procedure is for removing the plates, but I have found a flat pry bar to work very well. I just put the bar between the base and the bottom of the plate, and twist it to push the plate upwards. I just wiggle the top of the plate a little bit and it comes right off the hooks.


 
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coalkirk
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Coal Size/Type: Lehigh anthracite/rice coal

Post by coalkirk » Tue. Mar. 20, 2018 6:35 am

Yes I used a flat pry bar and lifted them. The left one pulled right out when lifted. The issue is the hooks for the right one seem to have a little more curve at the end and were difficult to get off. I like the idea of welding a large nut to the plates to assist but I think I may have to trim the hooks some on the right side.

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Tue. Mar. 20, 2018 8:44 am

Trimming the hooks should be easy with a zip wheel on a 4.5" grinder.

 
blanchem
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Post by blanchem » Fri. Mar. 23, 2018 10:03 am

I had the same issue during boiler installation. It seemed my hooks were not welded very uniform at the factory and I had to twist and turn plates to get them on and off. Not very easy a task without handles. I did as others here and took a grinder and rounded off the hook bar stock ends which made the plates go on and off smoother as well as welding rebar on the plates for handles.
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