Tigerloop query

[NickDutton]

When fitting our new oil central heating system we were stuck for a location for the tank, as there is only limited space at the back of the house. After some advice we converted a small disused out-house to house a 1300 litre vertical tank, but to allow for filling this had to be kept as low as possible, meaning that the take off from the tank is approx 35cm below the level of the burner on the boiler in the house. To overcome this we were told that a “Tigerloop” was required.

However as the oil level fell close to the burner level we started having problems with the supply, which failed and were told that air must be getting into the system. The plumber tried to sort it out – seemingly by smearing some form of sealant over most of the joints, but a few days later it failed again.

We now have a local firm of specialised heating engineers in to sort out a number of problems with the system (which is all new and these have been outlined in another thread). However when it came to the oil supply, the engineer has told me that a Tigerloop cannot overcome the difference in heights and that gravity is required to feed the boiler, so before he can re-start the system I have had to fill the tank.

Is this correct? Was I misled? Does this mean that the last approx. 200 litres in the tank is unusable and I will have to fill the tank before it gets below 25% full?

 

[ajstoneservices]

A tiger loop is used to overcome where gravity cant feed the burner.

Is there foaming in the tiger loop when the boilers on? if so then you have air being pulled into teh system. Applying sealant to the surface of joints is not the answer, they need to be re-made.

 

[holty]

cant be that specialised then.as an oil boiler will work above the oil line in most circumstances without a tiger loop.but making hard work of it.the tiger is designed for such situations you have.one i went to was an oil boiler in an upstairs cupboard over 3m above tank,god help the fitter who put it there.and as been working perfectly for 10 years till the tiger packed in.air line crack.also recommended they get changed after ten year also.

 

[transam]

So what do the firm of specialist heating engineer's , say a Tiger loop is for ???

 

[NickDutton]

A tiger loop is used to overcome where gravity cant feed the burner.

Is there foaming in the tiger loop when the boilers on? if so then you have air being pulled into teh system. Applying sealant to the surface of joints is not the answer, they need to be re-made.

Thanks for the replies - seems pretty clear then - it should work! - Bugger! ordered the oil now & was hoping to wait a while for any seasonal price drop. No foam in the bowl, but does seem to be a lot of condensation? - looks like water droplets? even when working there was only ever a 1 cm or so of oil visible in the bowl and the rest air, which on looking at another system recently does not seem to be right either? Engineer is OFTEC registered so should know what he is doing - perhaps I have missed something in his explanation, will try to talk to him this week.

 

[heatingman]

what make and model of oil appliance are you using?
whats the diameter of the oil supply pipe?
whats the length of supply pipe tank to loop/ loop to boiler?

 

[transam]

Tiger loop , made by I believe Atkinson Equipment ltd, will lift oil 12 ft at a distance of 100 ft , I believe they used to make an all plastic tiger loop , which I believe ?? could not be fitted inside the building , fire reg's , they now make (I think) an all metal tiger loop , for interior fitting , there is I believe another make of deairator , italian ???

max oil flow was or is ?? 45 gph !!!

 

[holty]

Engineer is OFTEC registered so should know what he is doing - perhaps I have missed something in his explanation, will try to talk to him this week

good luck.sadly an OFTEC qualification isnt that hard to achieve.so you really need to get a good guy/firm thats been recommended. that has day to day experience on oil boilers.noticed your from lancashire.got a mate there who only works on gas,and gets sent on oil boilers

 

[NickDutton]

what make and model of oil appliance are you using?
whats the diameter of the oil supply pipe?
whats the length of supply pipe tank to loop/ loop to boiler?

Hi Heatingman

Worcester Greenstar Camray 18/25
10mm
3m / >1m

Regards - Nick

 

[simond]

There is no way this should not work, the Tigerloop is designed specifically to make up for this type of height difference.

Was the bypass screw removed from the burner oil pump before the return hose was put in?

As an aside, when the old external building was used for the vertical oil tank, I assume OFTEC rules were followed regarding fire separation and siting?

PS: I'd take issue with the OFTEC comment earlier. There are no more rogue oil installers than gas qualified ones, as far as I have seen.

 

[Tipper]

The tigerloop itself needs to be located at the correct height, ie level with the burner, or it will never work properly.

Burner may need priming with a vacuum pump. I used outboard motor fuel line + priming bulb for many years with great success, cheap too.

 

[Boilerman2]

IMPORTANT - after fitting a tiger loop (or oil de-aerator) The Engineer MUST set the burner oil pump to operate on a " PIPE System i.e insert bypass plug, or remove horseshoe washer -or whatever it takes
Unless the oil pump is set for 2 pipe suction lift, the Tigger won't work properly, and the main symptom would be running short of fuel, even when tank not completely empty

So Check your oil pump!!

 

[holty]

and i be surprised the little grub screw that is used for the bypass, is still about in a packet somewhere.

 

[Boilerman2]

 

[NickDutton]

Thanks again - the knowledge on here is invaluable - I suspected there is something not right with the way the pump is set up - from my knowledge of diesel Land Rovers! My instinct from this experience would be either air is getting into the system or the pump is not working properly - your comments bear this out.

I admit I was worried when the previous plumber admitted not to being OFTEC registered after leading me to belive he was - then he got a mate in (who was) to sign things off - who insisted the Tigerloop, which was set on the outside wall at about the same height as the burner inside, was too low and said it had to be raised a foot or so to "comply with regulations" before he would sign it off !

I am going to have to tread carefully though - how do I put this information to the engineer when he returns to re-set the boiler! The tank is being filled tomorrow morning and I am not happy that the fault will be in all probability masked by the fact that a full tank will be well above the level required for gravity to do the work - so come next winter we will be in exactly the same situation as the oil level drops?