BULLETIN FROM....

Fall 1995

CBC ­ Market Place ­ October 31, 1995

The above television program clearly pointed out that problems can develop in fintube­type boilers that could cause carbon monoxide to infiltrate a building with extremely disastrous results.

The program told of a situation where the flue gas passages at the tube fins and diffusers became plugged with products of combustion and corrosion causing poor combustion and allowing the carbon monoxide to stay within the building and eventually causing the death of three occupants of a hunting lodge.

This serves as a grim reminder that it is imperative that the fintubes of such boilers be regularly checked for build­up of soot, scale or corrosion that could prevent the proper venting of fluegases.

Any build­up should be removed and it should be confirmed that fluegases escape through proper venting. Fluegases can backdraft at the burner or at the vent hood.

For any fuel burning appliance, it is imperative that chimneys be clear and that adequate venting and combustion air be provided at all times.

As clearly shown in a previous BULLETIN:

CO (carbon monoxide) is "DEADLY!"
LET US KEEP THE CHILDREN SAFE!!!

Boiler Heating Systems

We are well into the heating season and it would be wise to check there are no leaks in the systems and that steam traps are working properly. Leakage and improperly functioning steam traps will result in raw water makeup to the system causing scaling and corrosion of boilers.

Boiler water chemical treatment programs will help in preventing corrosion, pitting and scale build­up resulting in higher operating efficiency and extended boiler life. In areas where hard water is a problem, the installation of a water softener for the boiler is recommended.

All safety limit controls, low water cut offs and safety valves should be checked regularly to confirm they are functioning properly.

Air Conditioning Units

At this time of the year, pump down of air conditioning units should have taken place in order to minimize the possibility of freon losses over the winter. The cost of freon has been steadily rising over the past few years and loss prevention can result in substantial savings.

Plan overhauls on any units to be done prior to next season's start­up.

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