In the heart of Philadelphia, the aging heating infrastructure of the Philadelphia Housing Authority faced a critical juncture. Three outdated Kewanee boilers, the original units from the 1960s, were reaching the end of their operational life. One unit had been stripped to be used as spare parts, the second struggled to maintain functionality, barely limping along, and the third teetered on the brink of failure. The customer realized that they were long overdue for new equipment. Recognizing the urgency, All Trades Mechanical, the local contractor hired by the Philadelphia Housing Authority, knew a reliable and efficient replacement was imperative before the next winter hit.
The challenge existed not just in updating the outdated equipment but also in the extremely limited footprint of the existing boiler room. It was a tight squeeze, even for the old boilers, and there was no room for expansion. This is where Combustion Services & Equipment (CS&E), the Superior Boiler representative for the Philadelphia area, entered the picture.
Together, the team faced the dilemma head-on. Because the Kewanee boilers featured compact combustion chambers, replacing them while filling the same area posed a dimensional challenge. No standard boiler currently on the market would fit in the limited space. This included Superior Boiler’s Apache boilers which are known for their efficiency and feature a larger combustion chamber. The team needed to find a way to make the Apache boilers integrate seamlessly into the confined space without compromising performance.
Collaboration became key. CS&E worked hand in hand with Superior Boiler’s engineering team to craft a tailored solution. The Apache boilers were meticulously configured to have a compact footprint, ensuring they could slide into the limited space of the boiler room. To make sure the boilers fit through the door, the burners were shipped separately, and the skid was crafted to not exceed 122 inches. This made it the perfect fit for the entryway’s spatial constraints.
The installation process unfolded smoothly. The Superior Apache boilers were fired up upon installation, marking the beginning of a new era for the Philadelphia Housing Authority’s heating infrastructure. The winter months, often the most demanding for any heating system, became a testament to the efficiency and reliability of the newly installed boilers.
The collaborative efforts of All Trades Mechanical, CS&E, and Superior Boiler transformed a potential crisis into an opportunity for improvement. The Philadelphia Housing Authority now enjoys the benefits of a modern, reliable, and energy-efficient heating system, ensuring warmth and comfort for its residents.
This case study showcases the transformative power of innovative engineering solutions and collaborative partnerships. In overcoming spatial challenges and breathing new life into an aging heating infrastructure, Superior Apache boilers have become a beacon of reliability for the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
