09 July 2010 ~ 0 Comments

Honeywell Delphi Boiler Control System

Stromquist & Company sold the first Delphi control systems in the United States. We are pleased to report that the installation of this advanced flamesafeguard system was very easy and our customer is thrilled with how well the system is working. Check out Matt’s demo of the amazing new Honeywell Delphi System!

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03 May 2010 ~ 0 Comments

Honeywell Controlinks Part 2

The ML7999 Universal Parallel Positioning Actuator allows for a direct connection to fuel valves and dampers in the boiler system, thereby eliminating mechanical linkages. The ML7999 actuator is designed to operate combustion air dampers, butterfly gas valves, oil modulation valves, and flue gas recirculation systems requiring up to 100 lb-in torque. Each ML7999 has its own ID, so when the R7999 communicates with the ML7999 it is communicating with only the ML7999 chosen for commissioning. The R7999 Controlinks Controller is a microprocessor feature driven controller. The controller must be commissioned by using the ZM7999 software on a PC or laptop using a minimum operating system of Windows 95 or the S7999B System Display.

Commissioning consists of five basic steps:

1. Connect the R7999 to the communications port of your PC and logon to the software with a password. The password prevents the changing of your modulation curve without permission.

2. Specify the base configuration: one or two fuels, with or without FGR.

3. Select system parameters such as Low Fire Hold.

4. Specify the characteristics of the actuators (ML7999) and set the valve/damper end points for each actuator.

5. Create a modulation curve (profile) for each fuel and verify it from maximum to minimum modulation. This curve can have up to 20 points on the curve to allow for smooth money saving transitions from start to stop.

ML7999 Controlinks UPPA actuator

Commissioning of the ML7999 basically consists of location of the minimum and maximum open/closed position of the valve/damper and locking down the actuator.

Working together, the ML7999 and the R7999 allow the burner fuel to air ratio to be adjusted independently to maximize burner efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, which typically pays for the Controlinks system within one year.

S7999B1000 Controlinks Touch Screen

Let Stromquist and Company help you with your Honeywell Controlinks needs by calling us at 1-800-241-9471 or contacting one of our many CGNA members.

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28 April 2010 ~ 0 Comments

Honeywell Controlinks Part 1

Yes, there is an answer! The never ending questions from clients about boiler energy savings, maximizing burner efficiency, reducing emissions and reduced excess air, increased equipment life, increased system reliability, flexibility and increased safety can now be answered.

With ever increasing popularity the Honeywell “Controlinks” fuel air ratio commercial/industrial combustion controls are sweeping the market.

To look at the future we need to understand how boiler efficiency was dealt with in the past. When a boiler is first commissioned at a new site the combustion efficiency is set by the installer using a combustion analyzer and adjusting the single modulating motor with jackshafts and their linkages to the fuel valve and air damper to achieve the best combustion efficiency. This “setup” during startup fixes the air-to-fuel ratio over the firing range of the boiler. Over time environmental and physical changes will reduce this “optimum” setup. Changes in temperature, pressure, and humidity, along with physical wear on the linkages and jackshafts, will alter the fixed air-to-fuel ratio causing increased operating and maintenance costs. The weakest “link” in this system is the linkage so let’s go “LINKAGELESS.”

The basic Honeywell Controlinks system consists of an R7999 Controlinks Controller, Q7999 Universal Subbase, ZM7999 Commissioning Software, and the ML7999 Universal Parallel Positioning Actuator (UPPA).

How the Controlinks system works… Four separate UPPAs (ML7999) replace the single actuator used with mechanical cam and linkage systems, providing independent control of the combustion air damper, the primary fuel, the secondary fuel, and the Flue Gas Recirculation (FGR) damper if used. The UPPAs (ML7999) are controlled by the Controlinks Controller (R7999), which responds to the load, and firing rate demands setup by the installer using a combustion efficiency analyzer throughout the boiler run/load cycle.

R7999 Controlinks Controller

ML7999 Controlinks Actuator

My next post will be on commissioning the Controlinks system, followed by a discussion on Controlinks features.

Let Stromquist and Company help you with your Honeywell Controlinks needs by calling us at 1-800-241-9471 or contacting one of our many CGNA members.

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24 March 2010 ~ 0 Comments

New Delphi Video Presentation

Honeywell has added a new Delphi video presentation to its Environmental and Combustion Controls website.

Go to: http://customer.honeywell.com/Business/Cultures/en-US/Default.htm and look to the left of the page under the “What’s New” section, then click on the Delphi Combustion Efficiency Panel Video Presentation (in red) and follow instructions to the video.

Other Delphi and related Information:

http://www.controltrends.org/2010/02/on-site-training-for-honeywell-delphi-2/

http://www.controltrends.org/2009/11/first-commercial-installation-of-delphi/

http://www.controltrends.org/2009/08/honeywell-announces-delphi/

http://www.controltrends.org/2009/08/simply-amazing-product/

http://www.controltrends.org/2009/08/honeywell-abc900-advanced-burner-control/

http://www.controltrends.org/2009/08/honeywell-mf020-oxygen-sensors/

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05 March 2010 ~ 0 Comments

Steam Safety Relief (Pop) Valves

Boiler contractors see these valves all the time when working on equipment.  Generally the steam relief valve is often little understood, often incorrectly installed, and usually neglected. A little refresher on these valves might be in order.

How Relief Valves Work

As the pressure of the steam within a boiler approaches the set pressure of the valve, the steam pressure on the underside of the actuating disc approaches the pressure of a spring applied to the outer side of the disc. When equilibrium is passed, the disc starts to lift off its seat. The moment this happens, steam is suddenly released all around the disc to what is called the “huddling chamber.” This chamber increases the area of the disc that sees steam pressure, thus increasing force. This increased area under steam pressure makes the pressure much more unbalanced in the direction of the valve discharge opening and therefore pops the valve into a wide open position. When the valve opens with a “pop” the valve seat is preserved from wiredraw caused by slow opening.

Closure of the valve occurs only after the boiler pressure is dropped several pounds below the set point. The reduction of the area of the disc seeing steam causes the disc to firmly close against the valve seat.

Relief Valve Installation

Proper installation of a steam relief valve seems somewhat simple and is, as long as two areas of concern are followed.

The first area of concern is valve distortion. Valve distortion occurs when the valve is improperly wrenched in, using the valve body instead of supplied wrench flats. Distortion also occurs when the discharge side of the safety relief valve is made to bear the weight of the discharge piping. To prevent this distortion use a short nipple from the valve to an independently supported bell reducer or drip pan elbow. These valves are precision devices and any distortion will affect accuracy and calibration.

The second area of concern is discharge piping. For a safety valve to do its job it must be sized properly to adequately relieve all the steam the boiler is capable of producing while operating at its maximum. All piping to or from a safety relief valve must be at least as large as the valve’s connections. Also, the restrictive effect of elbows and the friction losses in pipe must be taken into account. For this reason, piping runs should be as short as possible and pipe sizes should be generous.

If you need help in replacing or sizing a steam relief valve please contact Stromquist and Company at 1-800-241-9471. All others can order this product from one of our affiliates at CGNA.

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04 January 2010 ~ 0 Comments

McDonnell Miller Discontinues 150E Series

Due to difficulties in obtaining some machined components and because of declining sales, the M&M Series 150E Low Water Cut-Off and all its variants are being discontinued as of December 31, 2009. This will impact the 150E, 1507E, and replacement heads for those products.

M&M recommends the Series 150S float style Low Water Cut-Off as a direct replacement for the 150E and the new 1575 as an alternative for clients that wish to continue using a probe-style device.

From a replacement parts perspective, the 150S replacement head will bolt directly to an existing 150E body. Some minor wiring modifications may be required, and the user should be aware that the time delays and the pump differential are not adjustable on the 150S.  Keep in mind that it is also good practice to use a relay between the 1501S and the boiler feed pump.

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30 November 2009 ~ 0 Comments

It’s not just a job

Being an avid  motorcycle rider, vintage motorcycle restorer, and photographer I am reminded, while on a long trip or during a tough restoration project, how our hobbies and our jobs are so much the same if you do them with the same vigor and dedication. (Yes that’s me in the yellow shirt next to the dark blue BMW.)100_0694blog

Ever notice after a good vacation you often say ” I need a vacation”? Why is it that our hobbies are so much work?

These thoughts ran through my mind when I came off a job site, which I am proud to say Stromquist and Company was associated with. The job was the first commercial installation of the new Honeywell Delphi system that was the featured product for installation. Three days of intense conversations with Honeywell, job project managers, and end users left me at the end of each day completely worn out mentally and physically. The job was hard and taxing, but when the boilers fired off without a hitch and the client was beaming with delight, I was just as satisfied as if  I completed a successful motorcycle trip or finished a restoration.

As wholesalers we at times forget the long time effects of our jobs as we move on to the next project. What we do matters and it matters to a lot of people and it matters to us because it’s not just a job, it’s a continuation of our own sense of being and satisfaction.

My restored 1965 Honda 150 Dream and my 1969 Bridgestone Mach 2 RS (graciously given to me to restore by Stromquist’s own Bob Koch. Thank you so much Bob.)CA95 Built 021blog2009 RIH 146st

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14 September 2009 ~ 0 Comments

Boiler Emergency Stop Button

Emergency StopIt’s that time of year. The college and professional football seasons have started, and the days are going to get shorter and the temperatures cooler. While talking sports in my part of the world is like talking politics in mixed company, let’s just say my favorite college team is continuing its winning ways, and my favorite professional team has dropped a game already. With the cooler temperatures coming it’s time to check out those heating boilers to make sure they are safe and running properly for the upcoming heating season. Safety is always a prime concern for all of us who deal with boilers. A quick and efficient way to maintain this safety is the use of a boiler emergency stop button. With a single push of the button, electrical power is dropped to the boiler. This boiler emergency stop button is available in two forms, the BSB-1 and the BSB-2. Each kit contains the switch housing, a 40 mm push -pull red button, a NC contact, and a legend plate stating Boiler Shut Off. The BSB-2 has the option included that allows for an illuminated switch.

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13 September 2009 ~ 0 Comments

Combustion Air Flow and Differential Pressure

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to start your boiler or burner; you hear the fan start, patiently wait for the sound of your ignition transformer to kick in and the roar of your burner light off, and nothing happens. The most likely cause of this problem is that your combustion air flow switch is not making.
The airflow switch is a burner/boiler safety device that proves (makes sure) that the combustion blower is running and providing the minimum amount of air pressure for safe light off, before we try to light off the burner. The airflow switch is wired in the preignition interlock circuit of a flame safeguard control. The sequence in which things happen is critical for safety in a combustion control system. The airflow switch being in the preignition circuit tells us that this switch must be made before the sequence can continue to ignition,which is why the combustion blower comes on and nothing else happens when the switch is not made. It could be very dangerous to open our main gas valves, allowing gas into the combustion chamber without having the necessary air flow that the combustion blower provides for proper and safe operation.
You can see “How to troubleshoot the combustion airflow switch” on Stromquist TV. Matt walks us through the steps of troubleshooting the airflow switch which include: 1) making sure the combustion blower is turning in the correct direction (you might laugh but it is one of the biggest causes of airflow switch problems our tech people get at Stromquist) 2) make sure your hook up tubes are the right size and not clogged 3) make sure your differential pressure is set properly. We like to use the Testo 510 ( available at Stromquist & Company) to set up our switches.
Differential pressure is an interesting subject in its own right. Not only is it used to prove things like air or water flow, but we also use it to measure flow. Put a know restriction in a pipe with flow.which creates a pressure drop, add an differential flow transmitter like the Honeywell STD900 or STD3000 and you have a very accurate method of measuring flow.
For more information on using DP ( differential pressure) to measure flow check out the following videos:

Meaning of DP transmitter high and low pressure ports


Back to Basics: DP Flow Measurement


If you are a Stromquist customer or are in GA or FL, call your Stromquist rep for help with your combustion and flow needs. All others, please refer to one of our affiliates at the Controls Group North America site to find a distributor in your area.

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08 September 2009 ~ 1 Comment

Tech Tip: How to troubleshoot a combustion airflow switch

Matt shows us some tips for making sure our combustion air flow switch is working properly. Please note combustion systems can be dangerous and only qualified burner/boiler contractors should work on these systems.

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