| Installing a used oil
burner
Most companies that sell used oil burners
will send you an installation demonstration video and/or
extensive installation manual. The videos and manuals will
walk you through the installation process step by step.
Here are some pictures from an installation in southwest
Alaska.
  
 
What will I need to install my burner?
There are a few items/pieces of equipment
that you should have on hand:
 |
Bobcat, forklift, or front-end
loader for lifting used oil burner in place, |
|
Ladders for getting on the roof
and installing chimney stack, |
|
Powered screwdrivers (very handy!) |
|
An assortment of metal screws. |
For a detailed list of items that are typically needed
(or at least very helpful to have) for stack, plumbing,
and electrical needs when installing a used oil burner, click
here on the mask:
What about electrical hookup?
A licensed electrician will also be
needed to make the final connection to power supply.
Electrical Power Requirements by Dennis Lundine,
Oil Burner Expert (formerly of DEC):
“Bringing power to a used oil burner requires
reviewing the voltage and amps required for the particular size burner to be
used. On a wall near the burner, a lockout style wall switch
must be installed for the safety of the personnel when working on the burner.
Rigid conduit should be used from the main power box to the lock out
switch. Flexible conduit can be used from the lock out switch to the burner’s
power bus. Make the power supply the last thing to connect,
this allows the sense of safety while wiring the remote
fuel pump from the tank to the
burner. Flexible conduit can also be used from the remote
pump to the main power bus.”
Where should the used oil burner be placed in the building?
Placing the used oil burner is an important decision
and requires some thought. For example:
|
The burner should be located
away from heat-loss areas, such as doors. |
|
It is recommended that the burner
be installed above people’s heads, to avoid
air blasting into people’s faces. |
|
The burner must be installed
a minimum distance from the walls and ceiling (each
burner has its own specific clearance requirements). |
 Very
Important! Do not attempt to plan a stack near
any power supply lines - electricity kills!
Placement of used
oil burners in a building by Dennis Lundine, Oil
Burner Expert:
“Take the time to plan the location where
you would like to place the burner. Remember there are a few factors
to consider other than just a clear spot in the building. Plan to install
the burner away from the major heat loss areas such as bay doors. Place
the burner in the back of a shop away from the doors to help control
heat loss and recovery. Another reason, which is often overlooked, is
the fact that doors create drafts that can affect the fire in the chamber
of burners. This causes pre-mature shut downs due to flash backs of the
flame. If the burner is to be installed where bay doors are going up
and down such as an auto oil change center, then it is advisable to install
a draft booster. The booster or draft inducer can be purchased from an
HVAC supplier or contractor near you.
It is recommended that the burner be up above normal peoples head heights. Most burners stand 8’ off the floor. This avoids the air throw from hitting one in the face while trying to work. You may also suspend the burners from the ceiling if desired. Follow the directions in the installation manual.
Plan on having access to each side of the burner. The potash created from burning used oil will need to be cleaned from the burner every 350 to 400 hours depending on the cleanliness of the oil so this access is important. Each burner size has a required minimum clearance on all sides. Review the installation manuals to determine these measurements.
Look at the ceilings and walls; you do have to run a stack out either one of these. The stack should be galvanized inside and stainless steel outside the building. When going through the walls or ceiling, this will require double wall stainless steel plus some type of shield to penetrate the ceiling or wall. Go outside and look where the stack would exit the building out the roof or wall. Are there any obstructions making it complicated?”
Where should the stack be located?
The actual location of the stack must be decided
prior to setting up the burner, tank, and stand. It is
very important to go outside and look where the stack
would exit the building -- out
the roof or wall. Do not attempt to plan a stack near
any power supply lines - electricity kills!
 
 
Stack location and type by Dennis Lundine, Oil
Burner Expert:
“The stack sizes of are 8” for the
140,000, 235,000, and 350,000 BTU burners. The 500,000
BTU burner has a 10” stack. A minimum of 24 gauge-galvanized pipe
is used on 8” or
9” stacks with 22 gauge for 10” or 12”. Galvanized
pipe can be used inside the building. The portion of the
vent system passing through walls, attics, and roofs needs to be of a
double or triple
wall design that is approved to Standard UL 641. Horizontal
lengths and slopes of the galvanized pipe may be used per the following
table.”
| Stack Diameter |
Used Oil Burner Model Size and Vertical Length of Stack Needed |
Maximum Horizontal Length of Stack |
| 8” |
140,000 8’ or more of vertical pipe |
Equal to or less than the vertical height |
| 8” |
235,000 8’ of vertical pipe |
4 feet or less |
| 8” |
235,000 10’ of vertical pipe |
Equal to or less than the vertical height |
“When installing the stack, be sure to
support the weight using plumbers’ tape or some other non-combustible
strapping material. A barometric Draft Regulator must be used which has
the same diameter as the vent pipe, and it should be located close to
the burner. DO NOT install a manual damper or any other device that will
obstruct the free flow of the flue gases. The vent must terminate at
least 3 ft above the highest point of the exit and at least 2 ft. higher
than any portion of a building or obstruction within 10 ft of the chimney.
If the stack is more that 10’ from the highest peak, then a 3’ to
4’ height from the roof is acceptable.
Remember, it is important not to exit the building near power
lines located on the outside walls or roof.”
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1) I’m interested in a used oil
burner. Where do I start?
2) What is a used
oil burner?
3) Where
can I purchase a used oil burner and how much do they cost?
4) Which brand should
I choose?
5) What size used oil burner do I need?
6) Can a used oil burner save my community money?
7) What types of oil are acceptable to use in a used oil burner?
 8) Installing a used oil burner
9) What about maintenance of a used oil burner?
10) Operating a used oil burner
11) Safety precautions
12) Who uses used oil burners in Alaska
13) Used oil burner success story
14) Storing and Collecting used oil
15) Related Links
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