All that turndown also means that
we can be more flexible in our boiler
sizing. By properly staging the units
through the K2’s Sage controls, the
boilers will be running long hours
at minimal input. That’s the perfect
recipe to low fuel use and long boiler
life cycle.
Multiple boiler installations are preferred
for these many reasons, but can
become a major headache and piping
mess in the mechanical room without
a solid design and the ability to prefab
system components.
Customer satisfaction
For just a moment, forget about cost
and efficiency. Just focus on the customer
experience provided by a company
that prefabs their boiler systems. It’s
here you’ll find the biggest selling point
for most commercial facilities, where
time is critical and managers are extremely busy.
For example, we were recently hired to replace the
boiler system at a retirement facility. We erected the
entire system in our shop weeks before demolition day.
On day one of the actual install, we
had the old system torn apart, all
of our racking installed and piping
started. Day two had the boilers in
place and fired. Day three included
the finishing touches, control details
and customer orientation. That can
only be done through prefabrication.
Beyond speed, prefabbing boiler
systems has other advantages. Building
the system before the project
starts eliminates change orders. Also,
we take full accountability of the system,
eliminating the footwork and orchestration
needed on the customer’s
part. They don’t need to be concerned
about an electrician, a plumber and a
gas tech, in addition to us. We provide
one point of connection for each of
these trades. ICM
Tom Soukup is the Principal of Patriot Water
A K2 boiler installation on-site
after being prefabricated.
Heater Co. with more than 20 years as a hydronic designer and
installer. He specializes in high-efficiency and Green technology
and brings his expertise to custom commercial work, pool heating
and agricultural projects. Email him at: twsoukup@patriotwaterheater.
com
ICM/November/December 2022 25