Reimers ELECTRA STEAM SRHC20120 Steam Boiler Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- Reimers ELECTRA STEAM
Table of Contents
- Reimers ELECTRA STEAM SRHC20120 Steam Boiler
- SR20‐120 STEAM BOILERS
- LIMITED WARRANTY – STEAM GENERATORS
- Important Safety Information
- Installation
- Operation
- Boiler Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Parts list for R, RH and RHC Boiler Models
- Instruction Supplement #1 Condensate Return System
- Maintenance
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
Reimers ELECTRA STEAM SRHC20120 Steam Boiler
SR20‐120 STEAM BOILERS
Features
- Miniature boiler max. vessel volume 5ft3
- Maximum safety valve setting 100psi
- All boilers are manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the A.S.M.E. Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and A.S.M.E. CSD‐1. Each boiler bears the National Board Stamp “M”.
- High quality saturated steam, operating pressure range 0 – 85psig
- Heavy duty carbon steel pressure vessel. Vessel jacket 304 stainless steel and electrical enclosure powder coated carbon steel.
- Large selection of optional equipment
Standard Equipment of Each Boiler Includes:
- A.S.M.E. pressure relief valve
- One (1) quick opening boiler bottom blow off valve as per A.S.M.E. Code B31.1
- ½” NPT Bronze steam outlet ball valve
- High pressure feed pump in RBH‐ and RBHC‐models
- Low water cutoff control with manual reset
- One (1) high pressure cutoff control with manual reset
- One (1) operating pressure control
- Magnetic contactors
- Main supply power distribution block
- Indicator lights for POWER, REFILLING, HEATING, ALARMS and Automatic Boiler Blow off Status
- Pressure and water level gauge
Applications
- Laboratories
- Process Heating
- Food Service
- Process Steam
- Autoclaves/Sterilizers
- Air Humidification
- Dry Cleaning
(*) DIRECT STEAM APPLICATIONS TO FOOD PRODUCTS: Reimers offers stainless steel
boilers or #OPT1030 Brass/Bronze free boiler trim option (see Page 5). This
alone does not guarantee the production of culinary grade steam. Applicable
safety standards (i.e. 3‐A T609) must be considered.
Model Number Key
- Each boiler model requires two (2) power supplies: Primary heating power and secondary control voltage. Nominal control voltage is 120V, 50/60Hz. Boiler models rated for 380V and 415V are equipped with control voltage transformers that require 220/240V applied to their primary side in order to provide the 120V AC control voltage to the boiler. As an option, all boiler models can be equipped with control voltage transformers so that only the heating power supply needs to be connected to the boiler.
- Also available in 240V 1PH
- On boiler equipped with condensate tank, add 90lbs (41.0kg) to shipping weight
- The STEAM CAPACITY listed above is based on the evaporation rate from and at 212°F, at 0 psig. If the boiler feed water temperature is 50°F, then the STEAM CAPACITY for each model listed above is approximately 15% lower.
- RX100 model, rated 208V, 3ph is limited to 307lbs/hr, 90kW, 9BHP
Please note that all information provided within this brochure is approximate and subject to change without notice. Please contact Reimers Electra Steam, Inc. with any questions regarding the specifications or dimensions detailed within.
LIMITED WARRANTY – STEAM GENERATORS
Reimers Electra Steam, Inc. warrants the following products of its own manufacture against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. This warranty is in lieu and excludes all other expressed or implied warranties or merchantability of fitness for any particular use. No person is authorized to extend the terms of this warranty or assume any other liability except by written statement signed by an officer of Reimers Electra Steam, Inc. Clear Brook, Virginia 22624.
WARRANTY PERIOD
The pressure vessel and electrical & mechanical components are
warranted for one year from date of shipment from Reimers Electra
Steam, Inc. in Clear Brook, VA 22624.
LIMITATIONS
Products must be installed, used and maintained in accordance with our
instructions, including reasonable & necessary maintenance by the user.
Users are responsible for the suitability of the products to their
application. There is no warranty for damage resulting from improper
installation, abuse, power failure, fire, flood, lightening, improper water,
misuse, improper specification, misapplication or other operating conditions
beyond our control or parts that are normally expendable in usual course of
operation.
Claims against carriers for damage in transit must be filed by the
buyer. Reimers liability, if any, will not exceed the price of
Reimers products claimed to be defective.
Components manufactured by any supplier other than Reimers shall bear
only that warranty made by the manufacturer of that product and service
for that warranty shall be the responsibility of that manufacturer and not
Reimers.
REMEDY
Claims under this Limited Warranty must be made by obtaining a Return
Authorization Number from our office (PHONE: 5406623811, FAX:
5406658101) & returning the defective part, freight prepaid to:
Reimers Electra Steam, Inc., 4407 Martinsburg Pike, Clear Brook, Virginia
22624
Defective items will be repaired or replaced as necessary within a reasonable
time without charge, other than incidental charges such as freight prepayment.
Such repair or replacement within a reasonable time is the exclusive remedy
available from Reimers Electra Steam, Inc., under this Limited Warranty.
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Reimers Electra Steam, Inc., is not liable for labor costs incurred in the
removal, reinstallation, or unauthorized repair of product, or for damages of
any type whatsoever, including incidental and/or consequential damages.
THIS WARRANTY SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS WARRANTIES.
Read this manual before installing and using this product. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury or death.
You have just purchased a quality steam boiler designed to the ASME Boiler
Code and registered with the National Board of Boiler Inspectors. Treat this
industrial equipment with care and respect. It is safe when installed,
maintained, and used properly. Read the instruction carefully and contact the
factory if you have any questions.
WARNING
Read this manual before installing and using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.
Your boiler should be marked with a complete set of WARNING/CAUTION labels shown below. If one of these labels is missing, please contact our factory immediately.
US and All Other Non Francophone Countries Canada and All Other Francophone Countries
Located on electrical enclosure door
Located on end caps of cylindrical boiler pressure vessel jacket
Located on end caps of cylindrical boiler pressure vessel jacket
This manual contains safety messages. Each of the safety messages are preceded by one of the following signal word panels:
DANGER: Safety messages preceded by this label contain information, that
if not followed will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Safety messages preceded by this label contain
information, that if not followed could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION: Safety messages preceded by this label contain
information, that if not followed could result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTICE: Messages preceded by this label contain important information,
but are not hazard related.
Ensure that this manual is available to the boiler operator at any time.
Read carefully all safety labels attached to the boiler. If any safety label
was damaged during shipment, contact the factory immediately:
Ph. 5406623811; email: sales@reimersinc.com
Important Safety Information
WARNING
-
BLOWDOWN VALVE: This valve is utilized to blow impurities from the boiler chamber. When opened, a large volume of hot water and steam is discharged. Ensure that this valve is properly piped for such discharge. State and local codes must be met as applicable.
-
ELECTRICAL: All field wiring to the boiler must be in accordance with the National Electric Code and any local codes that may apply. Wiring must be made by a competent certified electrician. Use copper wire only.
Ensure that all electrical components are in a dry location, free from any possibility of water soaking. Electric foot switches when supplied must not be placed on a wet floor. They must be placed on dry surface, not subject to steam or water. -
GAUGE GLASS: The gauge glass protector guards must be on at all times. When replacing the glass, be sure that the unit is not under pressure and is cool to touch. The gauge glass should be replaced once per year. If cracks or wear is evident, replace the gauge glass immediately.
-
MODIFICATION/MISUSE: This boiler has been designed and constructed in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Any modification or misuse can result in a dangerous situation. Reimers Electra Steam, Inc. is not liable for any product that has been modified or improperly used.
-
PRESSURE GAUGE: The pressure gauge indicates the internal pressure of the boiler. It can fail. Periodically have your boiler inspector compare the gauge with a known gauge utilizing the test valve arrangement provided
-
REGISTRATION: Most states and cities require boiler registration and inspection. Check with your government authorities.
-
INSTALLATION AND REPAIR:
Installation and repair work of this unit must be performed only by experienced personnel. Before commencing a repair, ensure that the boiler is cold, not pressurized and electrically disconnected. All standard electrical and steam safety precautions must be taken during testing. -
SAFETY VALVE: The safety valve is designed to discharge hot steam when the set pressure is exceeded. Ensure that the discharge port is pointing toward the back of the unit away from the operator or any aisles. Test the safety valve periodically to ensure that it is operating properly. Test carefully at full pressure by lifting lever using pliers and let it “slapping” shut. Steam discharge can scald. Ensure no one is exposed.
-
STEAM INSTALLATION:
Steam piping must be of black pipe, not galvanized. Work must be done by an experienced steam fitter. All state and local codes must be met as applicable. -
WATER: Ensure that all electrical components are in a dry location, free from any possibility of water soaking. Electric foot switches when supplied must not be placed on a wet floor. They must be placed on dry surface not subject to steam or water.
Installation
REIMERS ELECTRA STEAM, INC. boilers are heated by one or more immersion type heating elements. Automatic controls are provided to maintain preset operating pressure and proper water supply. Safety features include automatic low water cutoff, automatic pressure control, safety valve and visible water level gauge. Each boiler is manufactured in accordance with the ASME Power Boiler Code Standards and is individually inspected and stamped by an authorized National Board Insurance Inspector. All boilers are registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. When boiler is received, make sure it has not been damaged in shipment.
NOTE:
ASME DATA PLATE IS LOCATED ON END OF PRESSURE VESSEL BEHIND LABEL STAMPED WITH
NATIONAL BOARD NUMBER OF UNIT.
When boiler is received, make sure it has not been damaged in shipment.
Location
Place the boiler in a level position, close to the equipment which it is to
supply. This will insure minimum heat losses and allow more economical piping
arrangements. All steam lines should be insulated. Review the overall
dimensions of your boiler model on page 6 to select proper boiler location.
Regardless of the NFPA70 working space requirements shown below, provide a
minimum of 3ft clearance on both sides of the boiler for element servicing,
3ft of clearance to the front of the boiler and 1.5ft to the rear of the
boiler.
- Working space:
Electric boiler spacing is dictated by NFPA70, Table 110.26 as follows:
Note: Where the conditions are as follows:
Condition 1 — Exposed live parts on one side of the working space and no
live or grounded parts on the other side of the working space, or exposed live
parts on both sides of the working space that are effectively guarded by
insulating materials.
Condition 2 — Exposed live parts on one side of the working space and
grounded parts on the other side of the working space. Concrete, brick, or
tile walls shall be considered as grounded.
Condition 3 — Exposed live parts on both sides of the working space.
-
Dead Front Assemblies. Working space shall not be required in the back or sides of assemblies, such as dead front switchboards or motor control centers, where all connections and all renewable or adjustable parts, such as fuses or switches, are accessible from
locations other than the back or sides. Where rear access is required to work on nonelectrical parts on the back of enclosed equipment, a minimum horizontal working space of 762 mm (30 in.) shall be provided. -
Alcove or closet installation per UL834: Proper location of this boiler model with regard to combustible and noncombustible surfaces and materials is coded on the boiler name plate. The following decoding sketch and description is provided for the user information:
Description of dimensions and symbols
-
A – Clearance above top of boiler
-
B – Clearance from front of boiler
Prefix C to numeral indicates suitability for closet or alcove installation
Prefix A indicates suitability for alcove but not for closet installation -
D – Clearance from back of boiler
-
EL – Clearance from left side of boiler
-
ER – Clearance from right side of boiler
-
F – Indicates type of flooring: “NC” for noncombustible floor / “C” for combustible floor. Numeral indicates minimum clearance below suspended units to combustible floor
Water Supply
On models with pump and/or solenoid valve, connect incoming water supply to strainer on intake side of solenoid valve.
On models furnished with condensate return tank, connect water line to
makeup valve located at tank end. (See Instruction Supplement 1 in this
manual) R, RH and RHC steam boiler models require four (4) gallons of feed
water per hour for each 10 kW of electric heating capacity of the boiler.
Lines should be of adequate size and meet local plumbing codes.
In order to ensure long term trouble free boiler operation, we
recommend that the water used as boiler feed water to be tested for hardness.
If the water in your area is harder than 1grain (17mg/L), use a water
softener. The main cause for premature heating element failure in electric
steam boilers is water hardness. If severe corrosion during inspection of
the pressure vessel as indicated in chapter 3.4 of this manual becomes
evident, additional tests of your boiler feed water must be performed. A water
analysis should be performed by a qualified and recognized water
treatment company located in your area.
Recommended levels for boiler feed water:
Recommended levels for boiler water (water inside pressure vessel when boiler is operating)
NOTICE
Do not add any chemicals to the boiler feed water unless specifically
recommended by a qualified and recognized water treatment company.
Steam Outlet
All piping from and to the boiler must comply with the A.S.M.E.
B31.1 Power Piping Code. All State and local codes must be met. All piping
must be done by a qualified steam fitter.
Connect steam line of sufficient size from steam line valve to the
equipment. Steam piping must be black steel pipe, not galvanized. Work
must be done by an experienced steamfitter. All state and local codes must be
met.
Condensate Return
If the condensate is to be returned by gravity (no tank) in a closed system, the load discharge should be at least 2 feet above the boiler level so that the weight of the condensate will actuate the check valve. When applicable, install steam return lines at sufficient height to allow a pitch of 2 inches for every 10 feet of pipe length.
Note: For condensate return systems (with tank), see special sheet.
Safety Relief Valve
The safety valve is designed to discharge hot steam when the set pressure
is exceeded. Ensure that the discharge port is pointing toward the back
of the unit away from the operator and any aisles. If it is required
that discharge piping be installed from the safety valve, the pipe should
not be smaller than the valve outlet and should be rigidly
supported so as not to place weight on the valve itself.
Important: No valve in this line!
Electrical
Install a fused disconnect switch near the boiler. It should be fused as
marked on the boiler name plate. Connect the power supply from the disconnect
switch to the terminals in the boiler control panel. A copy of the wiring
diagram is in the control panel.
Important: Electrical connections to the boiler control panel (FIG.
7)should be made by a qualified Electrician. All wiring must comply with
local electrical codes.
Three Phase Boiler Models Without Power Supply Extension Box
Three Phase Boiler Models With Power Supply Extension Box
All boiler models that are equipped with a transformer option (OPT1010 or OPT1011) don’t require a separate external control voltage power supply.
Blowdown Valve
CAUTION When the blowdown valve is utilized, a large volume of hot water and steam is discharged. Ensure that this valve is properly piped for this discharge. State and local codes must be met as applicable.
Operation
Boiler Startup
-
Open steam line valve slightly. This will allow the boiler to be filled without producing back pressure.
-
Open upper and lower gauge glass fixture valve
-
Ensure that the feed water shutoff valve is in the OPEN position
-
Close the boiler blow down valve
-
Throw the fused disconnect switch (not provided by factory) to the ON position and turn on the boiler control voltage
- After approximately 2 seconds, the WATER FEED light turns on and water enters the boiler. As soon as the water level reaches approximately half height in the gauge glass, the automatic water feed turns off.
NOTICE Do not let the pump to run dry for an extended time as this will cause damage to the pump.
As soon as no boiler alarms are indicated, the HEATING light turns on and the boiler starts to build up pressure. Observe the pressure gauge while pressure builds up, until working pressure is reached. The working pressure should have been factory set to your specification. However, if you wish to change the working pressure setting, proceed as follows.
WARNING Stand clear of scalding water or steam. Disconnect the boiler from all power supplies.
All pressure controls are factory preset and require no adjustment. However, if a change of the operating steam pressure is required, then proceed as follows:
-
Disconnect all power supplies from the boiler.
-
Close the steam outlet valve
-
Remove the cover from the pressure control enclosure.
-
Turn the black knob of the operating pressure switch clockwise to increase the pressure and counterclockwise to decrease the pressure.
-
To shut off the boiler, turn the POWER switch on the boiler controller OFF.
See Boiler Control Manual for detailed instructions.
The control provides four basic functions and two optional functions. The
following overview describes the functions.
Low water cutoff
Boiler high pressure cutoff
High water level feed shutoff Automatic boiler refill Automatic boiler blow
off (Optional)
Remote controlled boiler ON/OFF and boiler status (Optional)
Control Functions
Low Water Cut Off Function
The low water cutoff function of the boiler control deenergizes the
heating elements when the water level in the boiler pressure vessel falls
below the minimum acceptable operating level. The control senses the
water level in the boiler pressure vessel through a probe, E3. When the
tip of the probe is in contact with water in the boiler, the boiler
operates normally. When the water level in the boiler falls below the tip
of the probe the control senses that water level is low. The control
will not deenergize the heating elements when the probe loses contact
with the boiler water for short periods of time. But, when the probe loses
contact with the probe for a set time, the control deenergizes the heating
elements and turns on the “LOW WATER” boiler alarm light. Boiler
operation can only be resumed after determining why water level is low,
restoring normal water level in the boiler and pressing the “LOW
WATER” reset button [R]. After presiding the “LOW WATER” reset button the
alarm light “LOW WATER” turns off, the lockout is reset and the heating
elements are energized.
The Low Water Cut Off function short cycling timer can be adjusted. See the
Boiler Control Manual (Doc. #9101)
High Pressure Cutoff Function
If the operating pressure control fails, the steam pressure in the
boiler can reach the value set on the high limit pressure control. In that
case, the high limit pressure control deenergizes the heating elements
and locks them out. The boiler alarm light “HIGH PRESSURE” comes on. After
the pressure control is replaced the HIGH PRESSURE alarm light turns
off.
High Water Level Feed Shutoff
When the high water level cutoff probe (E2) comes in con tact with boiler
water, the boiler control turns off the auto mastic refilling device, feed
pump and/or solenoid valve. At the same time the boiler controller
deenergizes the heating elements, closes the steam outlet line through the
sole node valve (SOL2) and displays a flashing “2” on the LED display. As
soon as the probe E2 looses contact with the boiler water the boiler
controller resumes normal boiler operation automatically. (The boiler
controller can be set to require that the “E Key be pressed to resume boiler
operation. See the Boiler Control Manual for instructions.)
Automatic Boiler Refill
When the POWER switch is turned on and the water level probe (E1) is in
contact with the boiler water, the boiler control keeps the boiler
water feed pump and/or solenoid valve deenergized. When the water level probe
(E1) loses contact with the boiler water, the boiler control energizes
the boiler feed pump and/or the solenoid valve after a set ON delay time. When
the water level probe makes contact with the boiler water, the boiler
controller deenergizes the boiler water feed pump and/or solenoid valve after
a set refill OFF delay time.
The ON and OFF delay time can be adjusted. See the boiler control
manual for instructions.
If the feedwater pump and/or solenoid valve remains on for longer than the ON
delay time the boiler control deenergizes the feed water pump and/or solenoid
valve and dis plays a flashing “0” on the control LED display. The “E”
;key must be pressed to start a new refilling attempt
Automatic Boiler Blowoff (Optional)
See Boiler Control Manual for instructions.
Remote controlled boiler ON/OFF and boiler status. (Optional)
See Boiler Control Manual for instructions.
Boiler Monitor Definitions
The following are definitions for all boiler monitor indications. See
the control manual for details including adjusting all parameters.
Flashing “0”: Boiler feed pump and/or solenoid remained energized
longer than the set time. Boiler feed pump and/or solenoid are deenergized.
Press “E” key to reset alarm and start a new refilling cycle.
Flashing “1”: Following a blowdown cycle, the automatic re fill device did
not stay on for the set time. Press” E” key to reset the alarm.
Flashing “2”: The high water level probe (E2) has come in to contact with
boiler water. The feed pump and or solenoid is deenergized and the
heating elements are deenergized. As soon as the probe (E2) loses contact
with the boiler water normal control operation resumes. (This function
may be set to require reset using the E key.)
Boiler Maintenance
WARNING Boiler repairs must be performed by experienced personnel only. Ensure boiler water is cold and drained and that there is no pressure and all electricity to the boiler is shutoff.
Boiler Blow off
All boilers must be blown off periodically to remove minerals, scale and other foreign matter, which accumulate inside the pressure vessel. The concentration of this deposit depends in part upon the condition of the water in the area. When water is naturally soft, or has been softened chemically, boiler blow offs are required less often than in areas where hard water is found. Water softeners are suggested in hard water areas to minimize the formation of hard scale on heating elements. Another factor affecting water condition is the amount of condensate, if any, that is being returned to the boiler. Since condensate is essentially clean distilled water, it contains very few impurities. If a large part of the condensate is being returned and little makeup water is used, the boiler need not be blown down as often as when little or no condensate is returned to the boiler. We recommend blow off of newly installed steam boilers once per day until the first heating element and pressure vessel inspection is performed (refer to chapter 3.4). If no significant amount of sediment is found on the bottom of the pressure vessel and on the heating element sheaths, then the boiler blow off frequency can be reduced accordingly. The safest method to blow off R series steam boilers is to install a Reimers Electra Steam, Inc. properly sized and fully trimmed blowdown tank, model BTANK10 (Figures 10 and 11). Reimers blowdown tanks are designed and constructed to Section VIII of the A.S.M.E. Code and inspected by a commissioned National Board Boiler inspector.
Boiler Blow off Frequency
In areas where water is soft or has been softened chemically:
- When little condensate is returned blowdown once every second day
- When a large part of the condensate is returned and little makeup water is used, blowdown once every week
In areas where hard water exists:
- When little or no condensate is returned, blowdown once a day
- When a large part of the condensate is returned and little makeup water is used, blowdown once every second day
Safety Valve Test
WARNING
Stand clear of scalding water or steam. Ensure that the Boiler Bottom
Blowoff Valve is properly piped.
This test should be performed once per month. Proceed as follows:
- Increase the steam pressure as shown in chapter 2.1. to maximum operating pressure.
- Keep the steam outlet valve closed
- Pull the trip lever and hold open for five (5) seconds in order to flush off the valve seat.
- Permit the valve to “slap” shut. If a leak occurs, repeat this test and if necessary, replace the valve.
Element Replacement and Element Cleaning
WARNING
Ensure that the boiler is cold, drained and all power supplies are
disconnected
Clean the element rods every six (6) months. To clean the element rods, or if an element must be replaced, proceed as follows:
- Remove the element terminal cover from the front of the boiler.
- Disconnect and label the terminal wires
- Remove all four (4) nuts from each element flange and pull out the heating element
- Use a stiff wire brush to remove all scale and foreign matter from the element rods.
- Clean the element flange surfaces before installing new elements and gaskets
Gauge Glass Replacement
WARNING: Ensure that the boiler is cold, drained and all power supplies are disconnected
Steam and boiler water can erode the glass. Therefore inspect the
sight glass every 6 months. If the glass thickness becomes less that 5/16” or
if the glass looses its transparency, replace it immediately.
To replace the bull’s eye water level indicator, use a 213/16” hex
socket or adjustable wrench with the same minimum opening.
Read carefully the bull’s eye water level indicator manual in Instruction
Supplement #2.
Troubleshooting
Ensure that the boiler is cold and has no pressure.
Electrical trouble shooting must be performed by a qualified electrician.
If trouble shooting did not resolve problem, please contact our service
technicians at:
Phone: 5406623811
Email: techsupport@reimersinc.com
Parts list for R, RH and RHC Boiler Models
WARNING:
Use Reimers replacement parts. All components are designed and approved to
be used in this Underwriters Laboratories listed and ASME National Board
Stamped boiler. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death.
Instruction Supplement #1 Condensate Return System
Tank size for Models SRHC40 thru 120 16 gallons
Installation
-
Connect water supply to water inlet on tank.
Note: Water supply should be turned off when boiler is not in operation. -
Connect condensate return line from equipment to condensate return intake.
-
Pipe from vent is to be installed to outside of building, if desired. If this method is used, pipe should be the same size as vent opening. Under no condition should vent be plugged!
-
Install piping from overflow to drain.
-
Pressure reducing valve required for city water pressures in excess of 40 PSI.
Maintenance
- Strainer should be removed and cleaned shortly after boiler has been in operation to clear away sediment which may have accumulated during startup. This strainer should be periodically inspected and cleaned when necessary.
- Gauge Glass – Inspect once per year. If the gauge glass inner wall is eroded, then replace.
- Pump Motor Maintenance is not normally required on the pump or motor.
Reimers Electra Steam, Inc. 03/28/2022
SR 20‐120 Manual
References
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