Clean the boiler and flue!

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Retro_Origin
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Stoker Coal Boiler: 1957 Axeman Anderson 130
Coal Size/Type: Buckwheat / Pea

Post by Retro_Origin » Tue. Nov. 22, 2022 7:05 pm

Installed a grill thermometer in my flue pipe (like was suggested somewhere on here, that I can't find!), perfect indicator for when the stoker needs a cleaning! Temps were 230 after a hard run, brushed down the inside of the boiler and cleaned it all up last night, instantly down to 200!! Great way to know when it's time!

What is everyone's running temperatures on the flue? I felt like 200 was pretty low. Thanks to whomever posted that! wherever it is...

 
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swyman
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Stoker Coal Boiler: Axeman-Anderson 260M Leisure Line AA-220 Boiler (FOR SALE)
Coal Size/Type: Lehigh Pea

Post by swyman » Wed. Nov. 23, 2022 7:36 am

Retro_Origin wrote:
Tue. Nov. 22, 2022 7:05 pm
Installed a grill thermometer in my flue pipe (like was suggested somewhere on here, that I can't find!), perfect indicator for when the stoker needs a cleaning! Temps were 230 after a hard run, brushed down the inside of the boiler and cleaned it all up last night, instantly down to 200!! Great way to know when it's time!

What is everyone's running temperatures on the flue? I felt like 200 was pretty low. Thanks to whomever posted that! wherever it is...
My Axeman 260 will run into the mid 300's and if it's really working I'll see high 300's and have seen 420's on the extreme days. I know that seems like it is not very efficient but coming from my last boiler (that did not have enough capacity for my heating demand) this boiler uses less coal? I don't get it?

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Wed. Nov. 23, 2022 7:40 am

I usually see 300-350 degrees with a BBQ probe therometer. It also depends on the temperature of the boiler and how long it has been firing.

200 degrees is low and makes me think you are using a very low firing rate, and/or too much combustion air. What does your fire look like after 20-30 minutes of firing?

 
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Retro_Origin
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Post by Retro_Origin » Thu. Nov. 24, 2022 7:36 am

Rob R. wrote:
Wed. Nov. 23, 2022 7:40 am
I usually see 300-350 degrees with a BBQ probe therometer. It also depends on the temperature of the boiler and how long it has been firing.

200 degrees is low and makes me think you are using a very low firing rate, and/or too much combustion air. What does your fire look like after 20-30 minutes of firing?
Honestly, I'm doing everything I can to play by the rules, no customizing, I have the nut out about 9.5 turns, the air shutter is closer to the closed side, my draft is at -.02 and after 30 minutes there is 2" of ash at the end of the grate.
I also place this thermometer about 3 total feet away from the breech, if that makes a difference.


 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Thu. Nov. 24, 2022 7:41 am

That all sounds good. Guess it is just the nature of the beast.

 
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Retro_Origin
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Post by Retro_Origin » Thu. Nov. 24, 2022 8:38 am

Rob R. wrote:
Thu. Nov. 24, 2022 7:41 am
That all sounds good. Guess it is just the nature of the beast.
Thanks Rob
I'm impressed with my brother in laws df520. Once I install my axe then I'll know which of the three I like best.

 
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Lightning
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Post by Lightning » Thu. Nov. 24, 2022 11:53 am

When I ran the hand fed furnace I always did a once over with a wire brush to keep fly ash off the walls. My thinking is that any build up would act as an insulator and slow down heat transfer.

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