VL SERIES STEAMERS - GENERAL
This causes several problems:
1.Reduce the heat transfer efficiency of the heating system.
2.Cause premature failure of Electric heaters.
3.Water level probes will give false readings.
4.Thermostat bulbs will sense temperature incorrectly.
These problems are common to any manufacturer's steamer regardless of design, but they can all be prevented by furnishing the boiler with soft water. Vulcan recommends the water contain less than 60ppm of “total dissolved solids” (TDS) and have a PH factor between 7 to 8. These water properties can be achieved by using a properly maintained water softener.
Other chemical properties in water supplies can also affect good steam generation and vary from within each state and locality.
The water level probes in the boiler use ions in the water to detect the water level. Do not use fully demineralized or
NOTE: The use of strainers, or filters will not remove minerals from the water.
Vulcan recommends that a local water treatment specialist be consulted before the installation of any steam generating equipment.
Steamers that operate over a long period of time without the benefit of a water softener, which have developed a heavy scale build up, should be cleaned before using a water softener.
TOOLS
Standard
Standard set of hand tools.
(Any quality VOM with a sensitivity of at least 20,000 ohms per volt can be used)
Gas leak checking equipment.
Gas pressure manometer
Temperature meter and thermocouple.
Special
CLR Treatment Kit - Used to remove Calcium/Lime/Rust from a boiler (Contact
Vulcan Authorized Service Centers ).
Adaptor to test thermocouple closed circuit voltages (DC) on gas models with manual ignition (purchase locally).
NOTE: Adaptors vary between manufacturers. An example of one adaptor type is pictured below.
SPECIFICATIONS
Water Supply
Supply pressure should be | |
In line strainer for supply line | (Not Supplied) |
Supply connection | cold |
Total dissolved solids (TDS)* | less than 60 ppm |
Total alkalinity | less than 20 ppm |
Silica | less than 13 ppm |
Chloride | less than 30 ppm |
PH factor | 7 to 8 |
(*17.1 ppm = 1 grain of hardness)
Steam Supply
Dry steam must be provided to the steamer for suitable use. If the steam is heavy with condensate, a Ball Float Trap must be used in the line and plumbed in before the pressure reducing valve. To ensure rapid heat up of heavy cold loads, the steam supply line must be sized to maintain pressure as outlined below.
| DIRECT STEAM | REGENERATED |
| STEAMERS | STEAMERS - |
| (POTABLE) | OLDER MODELS |
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Supply | 15 psi (min.) | 15 psi (min.) |
Pressure Input |
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Flow Rate | 50 lb. per hour per | 125 lb. per hour |
| compartment |
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Pressure | 10 psi (furnished) | set accordingly for good |
Reducing Valve |
| steam generation (10- |
Output |
| 12psi) |
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*Potable steam is not required for regenerated models but could be used.
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