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Chad Fletcher, director of aftermarket parts and sales for Hurst Boiler, says this process should be taken slowly and thoroughly to prevent long-term and expensive damage to the unit. Fletcher provided a list of instructions and tips for growers.

 

“Open the vent at the top of the boiler to allow trapped air to escape as pressure is building in the boiler,” he writes. “This may be accomplished by opening the vent valve—if supplied—or by removing the plug from the top of the water column balancing line.”

 

For initial firing, he writes, reference the instruction manual for your specific boiler.

 

Then set the firing rate controller to the lowest rate possible, he says. This will allow the burner to begin heating the water at a rate that will minimize stress to the metal parts. It will also allow the lower, colder zones to warm at a rate more consistent with that of the higher, hotter zones. The firing rate should not be increased until after the steam pressure is evident on the steam pressure gauge, he writes.

 

“Remember there is some refractory in your boiler that has not been completely cured. Therefore, the initial firing should be at a very low rate for a minimum of two to three hours, to completely drive out any free moisture that remains in the refractory,” he writes.

 

He notes that when steam is detected at the vent valve, growers should close the air vent.

 

“Maintain the low fire rate as steam pressure begins to build, after which the firing rate can be increased and fuel/air ratios can be adjusted for optimum combustion at various rates per the manufacturer’s instruction,” he writes.