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Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

(OP)
Hi all,

occasional lurker here, decided to make my first post.

I'm trying to choose a replacement boiler for our open loop (once through) wash process. Currently we have a 1.2M BTU copper-fin Dura-max boiler but we have had problems with the copper heat exchanger because of the acid used in that area. We plan on moving it as far away as possible, but there will still be some exposure to acidic air. All water is coming fresh from the city, through our water softener and into the boiler which maintains a 500 gal tank at ~120-140F. I'm looking for advice on choosing the most cost effective unit: Balancing unit durability, cost or replacement parts, and efficency (obviously). I've gotten some quotes from people for copper-fin boilers, and other telling me that cast iron is the way to go with the ammount of water we run (1500+ gal/hr). Any idea? Sorry if more info is needed...this is the first boiler I've had to spec. Thanks much.

Dave

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

What type of acid environment?

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

(OP)
There are several burnishing tumblers using strong H2SO4 in the area...I know it's corrosive to iron and copper, which is why I don't know which makes more sense (or if there are other alternatives...stainless???)

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

How strong H2SO4? 70% concentration. We shouldn't have to keep asking these basic questions.

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

(OP)
66 degree H2SO4.

We go through about 55 gallons per week. A maximum of 32oz of acid is added to ~60 gallons of water for burnishing parts. There are 3 tumblers. Water is not agitated enough to create any noticeable mist. Steel mezzanine and copper pipes in the area do not have problems with corrosion.

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

You will need a sealed combustion type. Then can pipe the the
air intake from outside. Roof or walls.

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

I recommend your consider a condensing boiler, they can achieve high efficiencies. These units operate with the flue gas below the acid dew point, corrosion resistant materials are used throughout the combustion and exhaust sections.

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

still the acids will eat it. try cupper-nickel tube assembly or stainless steel tube assembly.
you will loose some eff. on the first and a lot more on ss. condensing will help but is the acidic air will kill the copperfins and tubes before getting to the condensing section. dont forget the sealed combustion which is std on most decent heaters today.

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

(OP)
Thanks for the ideas. AO Smith seems to think sealed combustion with outside air is the easiest fix. The RBI "Dominator" also sounds like a fairly robust unit with an option for a Cupronickel Heat Exchanger.

RE: Choosing a boiler for use in acidic environments

contact an expert tom at American hydronics milbrae CA

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