
Sussman Boilers
Installation, Op ration & Maint nanc Manual
8. Start-Up and Op ration
The following procedures should be performed in sequence
to eliminate problems on start-up.
8.1 Start-up
It is presumed that all electrical wiring and plumbing has
been checked prior to this start-up procedure.
8.1.1 Make sure that the steam boiler valves are in the fol-
lowing positions:
Steam Outlet Open Drain Valve(s) Closed
Water Inlet(s) Open Blowdown Valve(s) Closed
8.1.2 Adjust the pressure controller to its lowest setting by
turning the large screw on the top of the controller.
8.1.3 Make sure that the electrical panel door is closed.
8.1.4 Switch to the “On” position. The green power light and
red low level light should then be illuminated indicating
that the system has power and a low water level condi-
tion exists. If the boiler was previously started, sufficient
water may be present and the red low level light will not
illuminate. The boiler solenoid valve will activate and the
water will enter the boiler until the high water level
control closes the valve. Just prior to this, the low level
indictor will de-energize the red low level light and
energize the heating element. At this point, close the
steam valve. The elements will heat the water and begin
to generate steam within a few minutes.
8.1.5 Do a first check on the piping system for leaks at con-
nection points and tighten connections as necessary.
8.1.6 Simulate a low water condition by depressing the
“push-to-test” button. The boiler contactors should open
and the red “low level light” should illuminate. The
noise indicates that the elements have been turned off
and the light indicates the control is working. You
should begin to notice a small pressure requirement. This
is not cause for concern. If the boiler has a step con-
troller it may not have had enough time at this low
demand situation to activate all the heating stages
before satisfying the pressure requirement. This is not
cause for concern.
8.1.7 Set the pressure controller (by turning the large
screw on top of the controller) to the desired pressure
setting. NOTE: The pressure control setting should not
be set at more than 90% of the relief valve setting.
For example: If relief valve setting is 100 PSI, set the
pres-sure control at 90 PSI and the differential at 8
PSI. This will allow the boiler to control the pressure
to between 82 PSI and 90 PSI.
8.1.8 Set the differential (by turning the small screw on
the top of the controller) to the minimum setting.
8.1.9 The pressure will rise on the gauge until the boiler
pressure has reached the pressure control setpoint.
Do a final check for leaks.
8.1.10 Ensure that the system (external to the boiler) is
fully prepared for operation and that personnel are
aware that the system is being started up.
8.1.11 Next, slowly open the steam outlet valve, while
maintaining pressure, until the valve is fully opened.
8.1.12 Inspect the heating system for leaks and functionali-
ty. NOTE: Initially, as the system is being heated up,
the boiler may not be able to maintain the setpoint
pressure. However, if the boiler has been properly
sized, after a short period of time the desired operat-
ing pressure will be reached and maintained automat-
ically. Undersized steam heating systems will prime
i.e. discharge excessive amounts of water through the
outlet nozzle. Boilers should not be operated under
this condition. You may wish to check factory for
assistance. The system should now be operational. It is
not normally necessary to pre-boil water to clean the
heating elements or the interior of the vessel. They
have already been semi-cleaned prior to installation
and there is no excessive grease or oil inside the boil-
er. However, if super-clean conditions make pre-boil-
ing necessary, ensure that the detergents used are not
harmful to brass, copper, silver, steel or stainless steel.
8.2 Op ration
With main disconn ct “OFF” tight n all l ctrical conn ctions b for n rgizing
boil r to pr v nt arcing, carbonizing of contact and/or ov rh ating
8.2.1 If a proper maintenance schedule is followed, all that is
required is to turn the boiler on for it to function normally.
Before restarting the boiler, ensure that:
Steam outlet valve is open
Water inlet valve(s) is open
Drain valve(s) are closed
Pressure control is set to the desired system pressure
8.2.2 Although the boiler can operate safely unattended, it
is best to shut the boiler down when it is not required
over evenings, weekends or other prolonged periods.
8.2.3 Water treatment may be necessary in some hard
water areas since excessive scale build up on internal
boiler components will result in heating element
failure and costly repairs. Refer to section 9.6 for a
discussion on this subject.
8
CAUTION
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