Condensation

[ptonsparky]

Last year a customer changed from LP to NG for their boiler and along with burner updates improved its flake making performance. One of the side affects is increased condensation around the steam kettles and consequently some controls at the top of the tank closer to a 2x2 ventilation opening. Duct seal in the openings

, a threaded cover with anti seize and rubber gasket​

failed to stop moisture from collection in the control heads Not a lot but enough for damage to occur.

We inverted a cheap Styrofoam cooler over the heads to keep them warmer for a longer period time during daily down time. Any other suggestions?

 

[kwired]

Last year a customer changed from LP to NG for their boiler and along with burner updates improved its flake making performance. One of the side affects is increased condensation around the steam kettles and consequently some controls at the top of the tank closer to a 2x2 ventilation opening. Duct seal in the openings

, a threaded cover with anti seize and rubber gasket​

failed to stop moisture from collection in the control heads Not a lot but enough for damage to occur.

We inverted a cheap Styrofoam cooler over the heads to keep them warmer for a longer period time during daily down time. Any other suggestions?

Room for any kind of enclosure heater within?

 

[drcampbell]

I doubt this has anything to do with using a different fuel.
It sounds like the pipefitters created a steam leak when doing the conversion. Or worse, a flue-gas leak. (flue gas contains a lot of water vapor) Neither one should be getting into the controls.
Look for the root cause.

 

[retirede]

I doubt this has anything to do with using a different fuel.
It sounds like the pipefitters created a steam leak when doing the conversion. Or worse, a flue-gas leak. (flue gas contains a lot of water vapor) Neither one should be getting into the controls.
Look for the root cause.

I second the motion.

 

[ptonsparky]

The flue is in a different part of the building. Only change to Piping would have been done at the boiler for a new burner. The kettle could have developed a leak under its insulation and second skin, or any leak that was there is more noticeable now that more steam is available.

I agree the condensation should not be getting in the control heads, but it is.

 

[ptonsparky]

Room for any kind of enclosure heater within?

That is an idea, but would require an additional conduit entry and consequently another opening for moist air.

 

[junkhound]

improved its flake making

Please educate my ignoroace. 'flake making" ?? what is that.

 

[ptonsparky]

Please educate my ignoroace. 'flake making" ?? what is that.

Making corn flakes for cattle feed. Steam cook the kernels, run them through a roller and you have corn flakes. Smells just like your box of breakfast food.

 

[milldrone]

. Duct seal in the openings

, a threaded cover with anti seize and rubber gasket​

failed to stop moisture from collection in the control heads Not a lot but enough for damage to occur.

When I worked in the lumber industry we had a photo eye array that scanned the edge of logs overhanging the saw edge of the head saw carriage. At the end near the band saw there was water spray to lubricate and keep the pitch from sticking to the saw. The eyes were inside a high quality enclosure. All of the things you listed were tried to keep moisture from fogging the photo eyes.

I agree the condensation should not be getting in the control heads, but it is.

I feel for you!

That is an idea, but would require an additional conduit entry and consequently another opening for moist air.

We also tried cabinet heaters and still had the fogging issues. What did work for us was to use a regenerative blower (Fugi, Gast, Rotron, ect.) and blow air (from a dry area outside the building) into the end of the enclosure farthest from the conduit entrances. The blower would heat the air about 20 degrees over ambient and force the moist air out the conduit. In our situation it was worth the effort. Only you can decide how much it's worth to you!

 

[Jraef]

If you can't keep it out, add one of these Corrosion Inhibitors to the enclosure:
http://www.hoffmanonline.com/stream_document.aspx?rRID=233653&pRID=6662

I would buy the tape and just put in a small piece, you don't need much. They emit a vapor that coats the electrical components with a hydrophobic compound, which prevents the moisture from interacting with the conductive parts (called "disolution of electrolyte"). They will have to be replaced periodically, I generally recommend once per year.

 

[ptonsparky]

If you can't keep it out, add one of these Corrosion Inhibitors to the enclosure:
http://www.hoffmanonline.com/stream_document.aspx?rRID=233653&pRID=6662

I would buy the tape and just put in a small piece, you don't need much. They emit a vapor that coats the electrical components with a hydrophobic compound, which prevents the moisture from interacting with the conductive parts (called "disolution of electrolyte"). They will have to be replaced periodically, I generally recommend once per year.

Sounds like those should help. I've also wondered about those little silica gel packs for gun safes.

 

[Jraef]

Sounds like those should help. I've also wondered about those little silica gel packs for gun safes.

They absorb moisture (desiccant), so they would help but for less time, meaning you'd have to change them more often.