Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on a question below
Ordering
- Can we have boilers manufactured
under our private label?
- Can
a letter of credit be used for payment?
- What
suggested spare parts are required on site?
- Are
stainless steel boilers available?
- Is
steam cleaning still practical as compared to pressure
washers?
- What
should the feed water quality be?
- Can
distilled water be used with these boilers?
- Please
explain blowdown tank installation & operation.
- What
maintenance is required for electric boilers?
- Flexible
manufacturing cells require what type boilers?
- Where
is pressing technology headed?
- Are
technical challenges involved with pressing equipment?
- Is
Reimers supporting flexible manufacturing & quick response?
Piping
- What
is a closed return system?
-
What is a vacuum problem in a small steam system?
Codes
-
Are electric boilers available from Reimers for use in Canada?
-
New York City requires MEA approvals Does Reimers meet
these?
- What Underwriters Laboratories listings are available?
- Is ASME code design & National board
inspection important?
Economics
-
What will it cost to operate an electric boiler?
-
What are the steam piping considerations?
- Is an electric boiler economical to operate compared to gas?
- What considerations should be evaluated in buying pressing equipment?
Manufacturing
-
Will boilers constructed of carbon steel rust?
-
What are Reimers core capabilities?
Sizing
- Are compact electric steam boilers available?
- How do I calculate the power requirement for an electric boiler?
- How much water do these boilers hold? Is this important?
Warranty
- Returns:
how do I return a part for warranty evaluation?
Can
we have boilers manufactured under our private label?
Yes, three options are available
MFG-
BY REIMERS, Underwriters' Laboratories (U.L.) allows us
to "label" the boiler with your name if we include: "Mfg.
by Reimers Electra Steam Inc., Clear Brook, VA. on the
bottom of the label. There is no charge for this service.
Our standard computer generated label can be used or you
can provide your own.
MULTIPLE LISTING, Our name can be eliminated completely from the exterior
of the boiler if a U.L. multiple listing is obtained by your company.
U.L. has an initial charge for this service and an annual fee Reimers
has no extra charge attached.
SPECIFIC DESIGN: Due to our CAD/CAM capabilities and our in-house CNC
machines, it is feasible to design & produce equipment to your specific
requirements. Internally it will be a "Reimers" boiler, but externally
it will resemble your equipment in color/shape/form. This option is always
more expensive because of limited quantities.
Can a letter of credit be used for payment?
Yes, all pricing is F.O.B. Clear Brook, VA. C.I.F. pricing and proforma invoices can be provided on specific units. These will permit your preparation of a letter of credit for ordering. Export crating will be quoted net as required for each order. Standard financial arrangements include letter of credit made payable to a U.S. commercial bank. Normal shipment is within four (4) weeks of receipt of L/C within our office. When requesting a quotation, please provide model, voltage, phase, pressure, and temperature requirements. We can meet various voltage applications, such as, 346/380/415, etc.
What suggested spare parts are required on site?
We do not suggest that all or any replacement parts will be required for one to two years service. With proper maintenance, replacement parts are seldom required within this period. In some cases, specific items (i.e. elements) may need more frequent replacement. This is a factor of water treatment, maintenance, etc. The type and quantity of spare parts kept on site will vary with the application. Some high priority (surgical rooms & primary process boilers) will necessitate a replacement stock of heating elements, gaskets, fuses, and selected controls. However, Reimers does maintain a consistent stock level of parts ready for immediate shipment. Contact our factory Monday through Friday prior to 2:00 PM EST we will rush your part out the same day.
Are stainless steel boilers available?
Reimers manufactures stainless steel electric steam boilers for those applications requiring pure steam and using de-ionized water having a minimum specific resistivity of 1 megohm/cm. These units provide a stainless steel surface to all wet areas and are designed and constructed within the scope of A.S.M.E. Code. This limits the design pressure to 100 psig and maximum pressure vessel size to 5 cubic feet. We offer various models from .15 to 12 B.H.P.
Is steam cleaning still practical as compared to pressure washers?
Steam cleaning produces considerably less water and chemical runoff than pressure washers. It also allows the operator to "dry" the part with saturated steam after cleaning. This speeds up the process and improves productivity. For heavy steam cleaning in a production environment, we recommend our model RBH30Z-20651 with syphon steam gun. This combination provides the versatility of using steam and/or detergent in mixture. If it is feasible, we suggest a stationary unit with appropriate steam lines to various locations with steam cleaning outlets. This eliminates moving a heavy unit (500 lbs. or more), trailing water hose and heavy electrical cable. This unit is a dry-type steam cleaner, which ejects raw steam at 80 to 90 psig. The only wetness you will get is the detergent which is syphoned into the end of the steam gun and mixes with the steam in the gun. The amount of detergent is controlled by the operator with an adjustable syphon valve on the steam gun.
What should the feed water quality be?
Calcium is the biggest nemesis. Water of less than 15 grains hardness is preferred. For carbon steel boilers, do not use de-ionized water. Specific resistivity should be less than 100,000 ohms/cm. For stainless steel boilers, you must use de-ionized water of at least I megohm/cm specific resistivity.
Can distilled water be used with these boilers?
If distilled water must be used, it will be necessary to add a "pinch" of salt once each week to the water. This will permit electricity to pass through the water for the probe controls. We suggest that "soft" treated water be used in lieu of distilled water and that the boilers be given a daily blowdown. This will prove less expensive and will work well even in hard water areas.
Please explain blowdown tank installation & operation.
Purpose:
The blowdown tank is designed to prevent high pressure
steam and water from entering into drains and possibly scalding
someone. Therefore, it is provided with a chamber that will
allow the blowdown water to cool before discharging and allow
the steam flashed from the blowdown water to vent to atmosphere.
Design:
Our blow down tank accomplishes this by:
• Cooling: The bottom half of the tank is full of cool room temperature
water at all times. When the boiler blowdown valve is opened, the hot water from
the boiler displaces (moves) this cool water out the overflow to drains. The
hot water will then cool to room temperature after sitting for several hours
• Pressure: A large vent to atmosphere is provided on the top of the blowdown
tank to allow the steam flashed from the blowdown water to vent to atmosphere.
It is important that this vent be piped so that the steam will not discharge
on any person.
Installation:
• Mounting: Mount on the skid provided so that the
blowdown tank is portable.
• Drain: Pipe this to floor drains (or to a bucket).
• Fill: Put water into the tank up to the drain fitting (approximately 4
gallons/ 15 liters).
• Vent: Thread the 4 ft (1.2 meter) pipe up from this fitting.
• Blowdown inlet: Connect the flexible stainless steel braided hose from
the boiler blowdown to this.
Operation:
Ensure that the tank has "cool" (120 degree F/49C maximum) water
in the bottom half (up to drain fitting). Connect the flexible stainless
steel braided hose from the boiler blowdown to the blowdown inlet. Place
a bucket under the drain outlet. Open the boiler blowdown valve for ten
(10) seconds. This completes the blowdown.
Caution:
The most dangerous part of any steam boiler is discharge of the water
either through a broken fitting, gauge glass, or blowdown valve.
When the blowdown valve is opened, it will shoot hot, scalding water
for at least 20 feet (6 meters) unless it is properly piped to a
blowdown tank. Be careful and ensure the maintenance people fully
understand the danger and operation.
What maintenance is required for electric boilers?
Our boilers require very little maintenance if blowndown weekly. We do suggest that the boiler be examined after the first 90 days for small leaks (around gauge glass, valves, etc.), internally for calcium buildup (to evaluate if more or less blowdowns are required), clean probes, and generally look for problems. It is a good habit to have a technician replace the gauge glass every year, check for leaks, internally examine boiler, clean probes, etc.
Flexible manufacturing cells require what type boilers?
We have observed a large demand for modular installations (flexible manufacturing and quick response) such as those displayed at TC2 in Raleigh, NC. These installations demand considerable equipment flexibility with respect to physical size and location. Our model AR8-tank unit has proven ideal for this modular concept due to its small size (ships via UPS), portability (provided with flexible electrical cord and plug), power (supports up to four electric steam irons), and state regulatory acceptance (U.L.-listed, ASME design, Nat'l board inspection).
Where is pressing technology headed?
We anticipate a strong movement towards lower retail inventories with a broader selection of garments for the consumer. This will further emphasize the need for small, flexible contract operations.
Are technical challenges involved with pressing equipment?
Purchasers of new pressing equipment will be challenged with the need to accept electronic components in the equipment. Consideration must be given to cleanliness ambient temperature conditions. These improved conditions will also be demanded by the better pressing operators as the workplace advances.
Is Reimers supporting flexible manufacturing & quick response?
These concepts have encouraged our research and development staff to concentrate on small, flexible electric steam boilers The result has been our model AR8-tank. We have continued in this fashion by broadening the initial concept to include
• A
portable boiler supporting three all steam irons.
• Changing the design of our full range of small boilers (JR thru AR8) so
that they ship via United Parcel Service.
• Evaluating the development of three phase units in this physical size.
• Listing all of the above with U.L the Canadian Standards Association.
Piping
What is a closed return system?
A closed return steam system provides far the direct return of condensation from the piping and process back to the boiler pressure vessel. It is a thermodynamic cycle that utilizes the gravity return of the condensation (water).
The
advantages of such a system are:
• No steam trap nor condensate tank
• More energy efficient
• Cleaner water
• Simpler operation
• Less space required.
A closed return system consists of a steam boiler, vacuum breaker (to avoid overnight flooding), steam piping to the steam application, condensate piping (no trap) from the application, and check valve. Same applications are: single utility press; single steam jacketed kettle; short piping run far irons, humidity, etc.
What is a vacuum problem in a small steam system?
This normally shows up with the flooding of the boiler overnight. It is not uncommon for this to happen. Vacuum (negative pressure) is caused when the boiler is shut down with steam pressure in it. As the steam cools overnight and condenses (changes to water), the space left by the steam becomes a vacuum. (One pound of steam takes up about 350 times as much space as one pound of water.) This vacuum in the boiler "sucks" water from the condensate tank and causes the boiler to flood. Unless the boiler is hooked to equipment (such as a utility press), this is more of an inconvenience than a problem. It can be resolved by closing the ball valve between the tank and boiler each night (open same each morning), or by placing a vacuum relief valve in the steam piping.
Codes
Are electric boilers available from Reimers for use in Canada?
Yes. All of our boilers are built to the ASME boiler code, including CSD-1. Each is inspected by a commissioned national board inspector. A CSA. listing and a Canadian registration number is provided for Canadian boilers. These approvals ensure ease of installation and ready acceptance by jurisdictional and insurance inspectors. In fact, one of our engineers holds an Ontario Professional Engineer's license.
New York City requires MEA approvals Does Reimers meet these?
The
majority of Reimers boilers are already registered in the
city of New York, Department of Buildings. Reference the
following NEA acceptance:
MEA 84-93-E: Models R, RH 8 - l 20 & RHP l 00 -500
MEA l 76-80-E: Models JR
MEA l 77-80-E: Models AR
What Underwriters Laboratories listings are available?
Our
boilers came under two listings
U.L. #499- KQLR Heaters Industrial 5 Laboratory (File #E66442) Opticians
Frame Warmer
U.L #834- BDJ5 Boilers, Electric (FILE #E39545) All Electric Steam & Hot
Water Boilers
Is ASME code design & National board inspection important?
Yes! It ensures that the boiler is built to the proper specifications to be safe to operate. In most states, it is required by law.
Economics
What will it cost to operate an electric boiler?
Electric
consumption:
(KW rating) x (#hours of operation) x (KW/HR charge) = cost per month.
Normally, the customer will utilize 60X or less of this amount.
Electric
demand:
In the U.S.A., the electric utility company charges companies a "demand
charge" each month equivalent to the peak amount of electricity used
during a 30 minute period during the month:
(KW rating) x (demand charge) = demand cost per month
Water
feed costs:
With weekly blowdowns, it is not necessary to use special water in these
boilers because of their larger pressure vessel and specially designed
heating elements. We do suggest "softened" water if the normal water
is very hard. This allows the blowdown to work better and reduces hard
calcium buildup within the pressure vessel. Distilled water should not
be used because of its expense. To calculate water usage:
(B.H.P.)
x (4.2 gallons per hour) x ( hours of operation) = water
used
(B.H.P.) X (l5.9 liters per hour) X ( hours of operation) = water used
This formula calculates the maximum amount of water that the boiler can use. Normally, no more than 60X of this volume is used.
What are the steam piping considerations?
It is imperative that your steam piping be safely and properly installed. Poor piping will result in wet steam and poor efficiency Same tips:
• Pitch
steam and condensate pipes away from boiler a minimum of
2"/10 ft.
• Insulate piping with minimum of 2" high temp. insulation
• Size for loss of I BHP per 50 ft. pipe length.
• Maximum closed system = 25 ft. length.
Is an electric boiler economical to operate compared to gas?
The cost of gas is generally much less expensive than electricity. However maintenance and installation costs for a gas boiler will offset the energy costs. This is because electric boilers can normally be located in the immediate vicinity where steam is required, saving considerable line loss. Also electric boilers do not use a flue/exhaust.
What considerations should be evaluated in buying pressing equipment?
Quality of design and manufacture are the key concerns of the experienced apparel producer. After years of buying "a price," the experienced manager realizes that the initial cost of the equipment, especially with respect to hand irons and small steam boilers is the smallest part of the total cost picture. Only unseasoned contractors purchase on price alone.
Manufacturing
Will boilers be constructed of carbon steel rust?
Almost all steam boilers are constructed of carbon steel, which rusts if exposed to oxygen and moisture The following steps will minimize this problem. (Please observe "shock & burn warnings."):
Blowdown
piping:
The boiler's blowdown valve must be safely piped in accordance with state
and local codes. Ensure that safe discharge is provided for 100 PSIG
and 338 degrees F.
Blowdown
procedure:
Turn the boiler off and allow the pressure to drop to 5 psig. Open the
blowdown valve for ten seconds, then close. Refill the boiler to the
normal operating level.
Blowdown
frequency:
The blowdown procedure given above should be followed at the end of each
working day.
Water
fill:
Never leave the boiler empty. Water and oxygen
forms rust. An "empty" boiler always has a little water
left in the bottom and will rust quickly due to the exposure
to oxygen.
Water
level:
Handfilled boilers must never be filled over the high water mark. Rust
floats on the surface of the water and is discharged with the steam if
the boiler is overfilled.
What are Reimers core capabilities?
Boilers:
• Section 1, Parts PMB and PEB Electric
Steam Boiler Design and Mfg.
• Stock/near stock capability for electric
steam boilers through 12 BHP.
• Stainless steel boiler design and manufacture.
• Hot water boiler design and manufacture.
• A.S.M.E. code stamps (S H N U) for manufacture.
• NAT'L Bd. "R" stamp for repair.
Electrical:
• U.L. for sections 834 boilers and 499
electrical appliances.
• Basic electrical assembly & manufacture.
• C.S.A. familiarity for Canadian units.
Machining:
• CAD & CAM capability.
• CNC machining centers.
• SPC procedures.
• Experience with carbon steel and stainless
steel machining.
• 24 hour workday available.
Sheet
Metal:
• CAD & CAM capabilitg.
• CNC machining center with plasma torch.
• CNC press brake
• SPC procedures for evaluation.
• Press brake, shear, manual duplicator,
debur machine, roll.
• 24 hour workday available.
Expertise:
• Steam generation & flow.
• A.S.M.E. welding & pressure vessel design
(Standard).
• A.S.M.E. welding procedure and performance
testing capability.
• Heat transfer design.
• Basic electric operation
Sizing
Are compact electric steam boilers available?
The prime advantage of electric boilers is compact design. Reimers provides a variety of models from table top 120v/.15 B.H.P. units to 480v/50 B.H.P. Our model RH-30Z is a good example. It is designed for installation directly under a utility press or autoclave. This unit is compact enough to fit in a 18" x 18" x 30" space, yet has a large 284 cubic inch pressure vessel to ensure dry steam discharge and long element life.
How do I calculate the power requirement for an electric boiler?
The basic formula used for electric boilers are as given below:
10 KW
= 1 BHP (boiler horsepower)
1
KW = 3412 BTU/HR
1 KW = 3.48 LB/HR steam (from & at 212 deg. F.)
Amp draw (1 PH) = watts / volts
Amp draw (3 PH) = watts / (volts X 1.732)
(N.E.C. requires service for 125% of amp draw.)
1 cubic foot = 7.461 gallons water
1 gallon water = 8.331 lb.
Maximum water usage = .07 GPM of water per 1 BHP
How much water do these boilers hold? Is this important?
The volume/capacity of an electric boiler provides an indicator of quality. Within reason, the larger the pressure vessel (boiler), the better the quality of steam discharge and the longer element life. This is because of the energy stored in the additional water and steam which allows the boiler to maintain a more constant pressure under load. Also, calcium and sediment will be less of a problem.
