All steam boilers, including our favorite brand Parker Boiler, require a daily blow down regiment to remove solids and sludge within both the boiler and water column.  Every brand and model have their preferred process, so be sure to consult with your representative or the manual before beginning.  But the one thing they all have in common is proper piping.

Proper Boiler  piping is incredibly important for safety and operational purposes, but it is also regulated by both state and federal code. 

Important Regulation Regarding Piping:

• The piping for all blowdown lines should only be assembled with Schedule 80 pipe and fittings.
• The blowdown piping cannot be reduced in size any smaller than the boiler’s blowdown tapping.
• The valves must be sized to ASME Code, with two slow opening or one slow opening and one fast opening installed in series.
• Regulations allow for piping two blow down lines from the same boiler if equipped to one main blowdown line as long as the pre-mentioned valves and installed in both tapings.
• The code also requires a drain valve in the lowest point of the piping to provide a way to fully drain the boiler of water.
• The blowdown piping should be piped into a blowdown separator or blowdown tank that separates the water to the sewer and the steam out of an exhaust pipe directed in a direction, preferably through the roof pointing to the sky.

Finally, consider these things when buying a blowdown separator or tank.  What is the local code for the maximum temperature of water discharged into the sewer system?  Will the inspector require a city water injection into your blowdown separator for cooling the water before entering the system?  Keep in mind that some tanks hold water from the previous blowdown to cool, so the city water for cooling isn’t required.  Finally, make sure that the separator or tank is ASME rated for the size and pressure of your boiler.

Over the years, Tri-State Laundry Equipment has had lots of success with installing and trouble shooting boilers.  If you need assistance with any boiler related issue, please contact us at 866-885-5218.

While the country is on lockdown because of Covid-19, Joe Moore is still out and about working on laundry and dry cleaning equipment; after all, clean clothes are essential.  Even though Joe is the newest member of the Tri-State team, having only been with us 2 ½ years, he’s proven himself quite capable.

One of the things I love about Tri-State is that there’s always a story, and how Joe joined the group is no exception.  Chris Lawson works part-time at a gun store in Rural Hall, and Joe, who I am learning is a man of many talents, was the Gunsmith there.  The two became friends, Chris mentioned Joe to his dad, and the rest is history.

Why Joe is a Great Fit  for the Job

“Joe is smarter than your average bear,” said Kevin Lawson, Vice President of Tri-State (which seems like a funny thing to say given that Joe and I talked about hunting, and he said bear meat was his least favorite game to cook or eat).  “He had no experience in our industry, but I hired him because he is former military and that always translates to hardworking, disciplined, and dedicated.  It didn’t take me long to figure out that he was the right fit for our team.” Speaking of military, Joe is a former Marine having served in 5 tours. 

When I talked to Joe, I asked him if they ‘threw him to the wolves.’  He laughed as he said ‘basically.’  “But the first time at anything is always difficult, and I think older machines are much easier to work on than the newer ones.  You just start with smaller problems, solve them, and before you know it, you’re off and running,” said Joe.

What Joe Likes  About Working at Tri-State

Joe is pleased to be a part of the Tri-State team.  “Everyone is competent and does their thing.  We look out for each other.  My boss works just as hard as I do, and the owner is concerned about our well-being.”  We are also pleased that Joe is a part of the Tri-State team.  “Not only is he mechanically inclined and a quick study, he’s also the right fit personality wise.  It’s a man’s shop.  We travel together, and the work can sometimes be hard and dangerous.  I couldn’t be more pleased that Joe joined our team,” stated Kevin.

Joe’s pleased, we’re pleased, and you should be pleased if Joe shows up to work on your dry cleaning or laundry equipment or assist with an install.  Should you need assistance from Joe or anyone at Tri-State, simply call 1-866-885-5218 or visit our contact us page .