Installing a Conversion Oil Burner
Conversion oil burners should be installed in accordance with the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association and local codes and regulations. Local codes and regulations will always take precedence. Read these regulations and the manufacturer’s installation instructions before making any attempt to install the burner.
If the furnace or boiler was originally designed to burn solid fuel and the ashpit is not used as a part of the combustion chamber, the ash door should be removed to prevent the accumulation of vapors in the ashpit. If removal of the ash door is not feasible, then some other means of bottom ventilation must be provided.
Before installing the burner, check the condition of the boiler or furnace. It must be in good condition or repair. The flue gas pas- sages and combustion chamber must be tight against leaks. Reseal or reset the sections of a cast-iron boiler or furnace. Replace any damaged parts. The boiler or furnace should also be as clean as possible before installing the burner.
A combustion chamber must be provided that is in accordance with the specifications of the burner manufacturer. Read the appropriate sections in this chapter (e.g., Basic Combustion Chamber Requirements) for more information.
If you are satisfied that the boiler or furnace with which you are working satisfactorily meets the conditions mentioned in the previous paragraphs, then you are ready to install the conversion oil burner. The basic steps recommended for installation are as follows:
1. Position the burner on its mounting flange or pedestal so that the burner air tube is flush with the inside surface of the combustion chamber front wall. Do not allow the burner air tube to extend into the combustion chamber.
2. Adjust the burner tube on pedestal-mounted burners so that it pitches downward about 11⁄2 in. Any fuel in the burner tube will then drain into the combustion chamber.
3. On flange-mounted burners, the distance from the flange to the end of the air cone will depend upon the requirements of each installation. Remove the air cone before installing the flange.
4. The distance between the center of the nozzle and the floor of the combustion chamber must be correct. If it is too close, it will result in flame impingement and carbonization. On the other hand, a nozzle placed too high will result in excessive flame noise and poor combustion.
5. The fuel pump should be adjusted for the oil pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Adjust the air supply to the burner with the air inlet band.
Rotate the air inlet band to the required position (the one which will deliver the smallest amount of air and still maintain clean combustion), and secure it in position.
7. Make certain the size and spray angle of the nozzle is correct for the installation (check the UL rating plate).
8. Install the nozzle, and check the electrode tip position in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Prime the fuel pump (see the manufacturer’s instructions).