FM 5-420

CHAPTER 5 WATER HEATERS

Water heaters are classified into four categories: range boilers, gas, oil-burning, and electric storage heaters. Each type should have a temperature- and pressure-relief valve and a sediment drain at the lowest part of the tank. Relief valves are set to allow water to blow into a drain line when the pressure exceeds 210F (81C), or when the pressure exceeds 125 psi. 5-1. Types. a. Range Boilers. The range boiler is a hot-water storage tank, varying from 1 to 5 feet in diameter and from 6 to 15 feet in length. It has a furnace coil, an exterior device to heat the water, or a combination of the two. (1) Range Boiler and Furnace Coil. In the range boiler and furnace-coil arrangement shown in Figure 5-1, the range boiler is usually mounted upright on a stand. A drain is placed at the bottom to remove sediment, and a temperature- and pressure-relief valve is placed at the top for safety. The furnace coil is located in the furnace firebox, which supplies heat to the building. This type of installation is of value only when the furnace is heating the building; it is impractical in the summer months. (2) Range Boiler and Heater. In the range boiler and heater installation (Figure 5-2, page 5-2) , the boiler is usually installed horizontally on a stand. The heater may be fired by coal, gas, or oil.

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b. Gas Heaters. (1) Side-Arm Gas Heater. The side-arm gas heater (Figure 5-3) (usually in older installations) is used mostly during the summer months to support furnace-oil water heaters. (2) Gas Storage Heater. The gas storage heater (Figure 5-4) is a galvanized-iron, copper, or porcelain-lined (gas-lined) steel tank enclosed in an insulating jacket. A gas burner provides the heat. The temperature of the water in the insulated tank is controlled by the thermostat. Its operation is automatic and will keep water at any temperature from 110 to 165F (43 to 60C), according to the setting on the thermostat. When gas is available, the gas storage heater provides an efficient and inexpensive way to supply hot water at all times.

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c. Oil-Fired Storage Heater. The oil-fired storage heater is similar to the gas storage heater, except that heat is supplied by a vaporizing or a pressure oil burner. d. Electric Storage Heater. The electric storage heater (Figure 5-5) normally has two immersion-type healing elements. The upper heater usually has higher wattage than the lower. Thermostats control these elements to ensure the operation is automatic. The heater does not need a flue or smoke pipe, since there are no burning products. The electric storage heater may be located away from the chimney; in a closet, for example. e. Field Water-Heating Devices. Under field conditions, water-heating devices are desirahle to maintain the health, cleanliness, and morale of the troops. In some climates, heat from the sun will take the chill from shower water. (More heat from the sun can be absorbed by painting water containers black. ) When a device is needed to heat water, it can be assembled by using available materials. Two devices for mess-kit washing and showers arc the vapor burner and the oil-water flash burner, which is assembled from a kit.

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(1) Vapor Burner. Fuels such as diesel oil, kerosene, gasoline, or a combination arc used. In cold climates, gasoline may be added to thin the oil before use. To construct the burner, several sections of pipe, a valve, pipe fittings, and a fuel reservoir are needed. The burner operates by preheating the fuel to form a vapor before burning. Figure 5-6 shows a vapor burner for a mess-kit washing setup, as described in the following procedures: Step 1. Assemble the pipe so that it doubles under itself. The best pipe size to use is 1/2- or l/4-inch. Step 2. Drill small holes (1/16 inch or less) in the top of the lower pipe, where the water containers will be placed. Step 3. Cap the end of the pipe so that fuel can only escape from the drilled holes. Step 4. Burn the fuel from the lower pipe to heat the fuel in the upper pipe, causing the fuel to vaporize. The vapor causes pressure in the lower pipe and forces the fuel out through the holes as a spray, making a better flame. Step 5. Place the pipes in a fire trench for more efficient operation. The trench should be about 1 foot wide and 15 inches deep. Step 6. Coil iron wire around the lower pipe near the holes and around the upper pipe just above the holes to serve as an automatic relighting device. The wires become red hot after the burner has been operating for a few minutes. If the flame goes out, the heat from the wires relights the fuel, preventing an explosion of gas collected in the trench.

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Step 7. Before lighting the burner, open the control valve to allow a small amount of fuel to run through the lower pipe. Step 8. Ignite the fuel by heating the upper pipe and starting the fuel-heat-gas pressure cycle.

(2) Oil-Water Flash Burner. This burner can be assembled and installed from a kit, following manufacturers instructions. A properly operated burner produces a blue flame. If a blue flame blows itself out, insufficient fuel is getting through the holes. Opening the valve slightly or enlarging the holes will correct this situation. A yellow flame indicates incomplete burning caused by too much fuel escaping from the holes. Closing the valve slightly or decreasing the size of the holes may correct this condition. 5-2. Sizes. The maximum load and the working load determine the amount of hot water needed per hour. A heater with a storage capacity and recovery rate supplying that amount should be installed. a. Maximum load. The maximum load of a water heater is the maximum amount of water used daily per person per hour. (The amount of daily water used is spread over several hours.) The amount of water varies with style of living and type of building. To determine

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the size of the hot water heater for a building, consider the maximum hourly use and number of users. Generally, the maximum hourly use of hot water per person would be Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 or 3 gallons. Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 or 5 gallons. Living quarters and barracks. . . . . . . . .8 to 10 gallons. b. Working Load. The working load of a water heater is the percentage of maximum load expected under normal conditions in any given hour. Approximate working loads are School or office buildings . . . . . . . . . .25 percent. Residential buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 percent. Barracks buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 percent. EXAMPLE The capacity of a water heater for a barracks that houses 50 soldiers can be determined as follows: 50 users x 8 gallons per hour (GPH) each = 400 gallons 400 gallons x 40 percent working load = 160 gallons A heater with a 100-gallon storage capacity and a 60-GPH recovery rate (100F rise) could be installed. 5-3. Operation Hazards. Operation hazards and methods of reducing them areas follows: Carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas given off when burning is incomplete. The hazard may be removed by proper operation and adequate ventilation. Lead poisoning. Lead poisoning results from using leaded fuel such as ethyl gasoline. Breathing the vapors is very dangerous. Adequate ventilation is absolutely necessary. Explosion. A serious explosion can occur when a burner is not built or operated properly. If the flame of a burner goes out and the fuel is not turned off or relighted immediately, gas may build up. An explosion can result if the gas is ignited. The vapor burner is more dangerous than the oil-water flash burner, but the vapor burners automatic relighting device reduces the chance of an explosion.

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