Hot water and heating on a narrow boat

[mutley racers]

Hi chaps. I have put this in the gas safe forum even though it's not to do with gas.

A friend bought a narrow boat that had an old LPG boiler in it. Apparently these are very expensive to run so he has been given advice by others to install a solid fuel back boiler.

Now the old set up was gravity with a horizontal cylinder or calorifier which had the tappings for the boiler on one side and some other tappings on the other side. From what I have read this might have been from the engine. But to be honest I don't have a clue. I have attached a picture below. Also this had a prv on it but cannot be sealed with a solid fuel appliance so needs a vent and f&e.

Now, a guy there seems to think it Will be ok to turn this cylinder upright and use it. I don't know how the coils run in the cylinder so am not sure. I also cannot find any info on the cylinder either.

If anyone has any experience of this I would be grateful.

Cheers chaps.

 

[mutley racers]

Morning chaps. Anyone on here do LPG on boats that can offer some advice about the cylinder above and if I could potentially use it in a vertical position and even with solid fuel back boiler. CheerS

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I wouldn't say it's rated for solid fuel

 

[mutley racers]

I wouldn't say it's rated for solid fuel

So do you get cylinders for solid fuel then? I have looked on Google, on narrow boat forums but cannot find much info to be honest with you.

I also don't think a horizontal cylinder can be installed vertically due to issues with stratification. That's why we have the two different kinds isn't it? Or am I talking sxxxe

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yea there made out of a thicker material (old grade 1)

And spot on

 

[mutley racers]

Thanks Shaun. I actually found a site that talks all about installing solid fuel back boilers. He has links to the cylinders and the f and e tanks which have to be stainless or copper.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Correct can't be plastic with solid fuel tbh I don't like sealing them either much prefer good old f and e tank

 

[mutley racers]

Apparently you can't seal them. Only if you get a stove with a Thermostat I read

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Think you can with a h2 panel but your starting to get out of my knowledge dept

@Best probably will know

 

[firemant]

Jesus.
A small floating vessel, and you are Soding about with a solid fuel boiler, abut which you don't have a clue. Get it wrong and they are deadly.
Why is there a PRV on what should (by all appearances) be a vented cylinder?
Explosions and CO are not to be encouraged.

 

[mutley racers]

He he. That cylinder got taken out as.it was the old one that went with the prv. Don't worry mate, there will not be any explosions here. That's what all the questions are for.

Stove being fitted by boat owner. I am just doing the wet side. Looking at using a copper kettle as the feed and expansion tank. Seen em on you tube

 

[Welder]

FWIW millions of boats have solid fuel boilers

First, is there a proper electrical supply?

The reason I'm asking is cos if there isn't, and there is ANY chance of it working whilst the power is off, then it must be piped so you have an appropriate fall from the last rad (or coil) back to the boiler to guarantee appropriate flow. Frankly, that not particularly easy on a boat and neith is siting the F & E tank so there is an appropriate head.

Many have diesel water heaters and use a wood burner for heating. Personally, that would be my choice as its ultimately less problematic as well as safer and more reliable.