Just got off a 45 min conference call with a boiler manufacturer.
My employer purchased a boiler that is improper for its use as location, and now is likely stuck eating the cost. Unit alone is just north of 15 large.
Basically, you can’t under size a boiler. You can’t oversize either or they run poorly, are prone to errors and decreased lifespan. It requires some homework when retrofitting a new boiler into an existing application . You have to account for flow rates, head pressure, pump sizes, and some other crap.
I did some good work. I nailed down the required package, turned it over to my employer for approval. Then he went and ordered what he thought was required because ‘I’ve been doing this a lot longer than you have’
I’ve spent the last two days dealing with incorrect delta T, pump purge cycles, % efficiency versus incoming water temps on a brand new boiler. Unaccounted for spikes in temp due to multiple pumps at different speeds causing improperly mixed hot water to reenter the boiler. I’ve cursed. I’ve screamed. I walked off the site for a few hours today to chill out.
In an act of desperation I called tech support to verify my homework and that this is the right unit for the job.
Turns out it’s not. It’s too large, and the pumps responsible for the zones are too fast. And it cannot be returned. It’s been ‘activated’ on the website so now my boss bought it, more or less. The tech rep’s suggestion was purchase the proper unit and when we find an application for the improper one we can have the warranty transferred over.
Feels good to be dead right. Fuck you Jim.