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The Olsen OBC Series is a line of oil-fired cast iron boilers designed for residential and light commercial heating applications. These boilers are engineered to provide efficient and reliable hot water for space heating, and some models can also be equipped with a tankless coil for domestic hot water production. The design emphasizes durability and ease of maintenance, making them a practical choice for various heating needs.
The primary function of the Olsen OBC Series boiler is to generate hot water for a hydronic heating system. This process begins when the thermostat calls for heat, activating the aquastat, which in turn energizes the circulator and the oil burner's ignition system. The oil burner atomizes and ignites fuel oil, creating a flame within the combustion chamber. The heat from this combustion is transferred to the cast iron heat exchanger, which contains water. As the water absorbs heat, its temperature rises. The circulator then pumps this hot water through the building's heating system (e.g., baseboard radiators, radiant panels), distributing warmth throughout the space.
For models equipped with a tankless coil, the boiler also provides on-demand domestic hot water. Cold water from the supply line flows through the coil, which is immersed in the hot boiler water. Heat is transferred from the boiler water to the domestic water, providing hot water for faucets and showers without the need for a separate hot water storage tank. The boiler's controls manage the water temperature to ensure both space heating and domestic hot water needs are met efficiently. Safety features, such as a high-limit control and a pressure relief valve, are integrated to prevent overheating and over-pressurization, ensuring safe operation.
The Olsen OBC Series boilers are designed for straightforward operation and integration into various heating systems. They are intended for use with No. 2 fuel oil only, a critical safety and performance requirement. Installation involves connecting supply and return piping to the heating system, with specific guidelines for parallel connections when used with refrigerated systems to prevent gravity circulation during cooling cycles. The manual provides detailed diagrams for typical installations, including those with multiple zoned circulators and tankless coils. Bypass piping is an optional feature that allows for adjustment of boiler water temperature to suit different heating systems, such as radiant panels, and helps protect the boiler from condensate formation due to low return water temperatures.
Proper ventilation and combustion air supply are paramount for safe and efficient operation, with clear requirements outlined for both unconfined and confined spaces. The venting system must be natural draft and connected to a tile-lined masonry or metallic chimney liner, with specific dimensions and draft requirements to ensure proper exhaust of combustion gases. Oil tank piping, including suction and return lines, must adhere to national and local regulations, with recommendations for continuous tubing, flare fittings, and the use of a two-stage fuel unit for longer runs. Electrical wiring must comply with relevant national and Canadian electrical codes, with wiring diagrams provided for various control systems, including those with circulator zones and tankless heaters. Thermostat installation guidelines emphasize placement on an inside wall, away from drafts, direct sunlight, and other heat sources, to ensure accurate temperature sensing and optimal system control.
The Olsen OBC Series boilers are designed with several features to facilitate maintenance and ensure long-term performance. Regular inspection of the venting system at the start of each heating season is crucial, checking for deterioration, rust, or sagging joints in the vent pipe and for obstructions in the chimney. The pressure relief valve should be operated periodically to confirm its proper functioning, opening before the water pressure exceeds 30 lbs. If the valve leaks or fails to open, it must be replaced immediately to maintain safety.
Preventive maintenance is highlighted as a key factor in reducing operating costs. This includes an annual inspection of the boiler, vent, and vent pipe for soot or scale deposits. Soot accumulation on section walls and flueways can lead to improper combustion, increased sooting, and higher fuel bills. The manual provides instructions for removing soot and scale by accessing the combustion chamber after removing the top jacket panel, top clean-out plate, and burner. A wire brush can be used to clean the flueways, and a vacuum cleaner is recommended for removing debris from the combustion chamber, with a caution against damaging the chamber itself.
Periodic inspection and tightening of tankless heater/cover plate bolts are recommended to reduce the risk of leaks, with a caution against overtightening. The oil burner nozzle should be replaced at the start of each heating season, and the burner and circulator motors should be lubricated if required (some circulators are water-lubricated and do not need oiling). A competent service person should inspect the burner's controls and electrodes for carbon buildup or cracks in the insulators. Adjustments to the oil burner, including air shutter settings, must be made using combustion instruments like a smoke tester, CO₂ indicator, and draft gauge, rather than visual inspection, to ensure proper combustion and avoid dirty flue ways and high fuel bills. A service checklist is provided to guide technicians through essential checks and record performance data, aiding in systematic troubleshooting and maintenance.
General| Model | OBC Series |
|---|---|
| Category | Boiler |
| Fuel Type | Oil |
| Operating Pressure | 30 psi |
| Dimensions | Varies by model |
| Weight | Varies by model |
