Multi-Fuel Boiler

Coal, Wood, and Oil in any Combination

Quick Answers How often does the Multi-Fuel Boiler have to be loaded? Can this boiler be used on radiant heating systems? Can an Alternate Heating Systems boiler be operated in tandem with another boiler? How much does it cost to ship a boiler to my location?

The air-cooled Rolla-Grate triangular rotary grate system is the heart of the Alternate Heating Systems Coal-Wood Multi-Fuel Boiler. This remarkable system adjusts to maximize burning efficiency for each fuel and to provide a convenient method of removing expended ash from the boiler's firebox.  The triangular grate design is made with a hollow core allowing airflow via convection in order to keep the grate cool.  This cooling effect prevents warping of the grate components.  Depending upon the model purchased there is a minimum of three grates.  The boiler is designed so that each grate can be shaken or rotated individually so that ash can be removed only from areas where expended fuel has built up.

Refractory-lined baffling diverts the exhaust through the boiler in order to reclaim as much heat as possible before the combusted exhaust goes out the chimney.  Water tubes located beneath the refractory-lined baffle serve to capture this additional heat.  

Standard Equipment On All
AHS Multi-Fuel Boilers

• Rolla-Grate^TM ROTARY GRATE SYSTEM
  Opening can be increased from nearly closed to large opening for burning coal
• LARGE LOADING DOOR
  Full gasket for maximum efficiency
• LARGE REMOVABLE ASH PAN DUAL DRAFT SYSTEM
  Through-the-door draft system for burning wood.  Below-grate draft system for burning coal.
• AUTOMATIC DRAFT CONTROL.  COAL BURNING UNITS AVAILABLE AS SINGLE UNIT OR IN 2 PARTS
  For convenience in handling and installation
• FIREBRICK LINED FIREBOX
• FULL WIDTH BAFFLES
  Adjustable and Removable.  Our baffles are not welded into place, so they can be easily removed when necessary. 
• HYDRO TESTED TO 60 LBS. PSI
• CONSTRUCTED OF 1/4" STEEL PLATE THROUGHOUT
• SAMSON NON-ELECTRIC AUTOMATIC DRAFT REGULATOR (Except Models C100 and larger)
• HONEYWELL CIRCULATOR CONTROL AQUASTAT
• TEMPERATURE/PRESSURE GAUGE 
• ASME TESTED PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

Optional Equipment on AHS Multi-Fuel Heaters/Boilers

• RIELLO OIL BURNER
  This is a new option and is the red unit shown in the photo above.  The Riello oil burner option is an excellent choice for burning oil in combination with burning other fuels - it is designed to let almost no air into the combustion chamber when not burning oil.
• Domestic coil, factory installed (5 Gal. per min. max. output.)
• 4" fitting, for coil, includes 4" pipe plug
• Electric backup package available on models WC40, WC55, W40, and W5
• Fittings only, for electric backup
• Steam control and fittings package, models WC55 and WOC55 only
• Insulation jacket
• Load door smoke flap
• Auto switch over
• Master grate rotator - this provides a single handle can be moved back and forth to rotate or shake all grates simultaneously
• Options for Burning Bituminous (Soft) Coal:
  - Soft coal linkage kit
  - Heavy duty refractory side brick
  - Water-cooled baffle supports with refractory
  - Forced draft with electric damper (comes with control wiring that provides the option of using natural draft or the quick response forced draft fan)
  - Modified WC55 (adding 8" to boiler length).  With this option the BTU output is increased by 20%

Specifications

Alternate Heating Systems, Inc. Multi-Fuel Boilers are currently manufactured in three standard sizes, but larger units can be produced upon special order.

Our Multi-Fuel Boilers are not to be confused with "converted" or "re-designed" single fuel equipment. Every Alternate Heating Systems, Inc. Boiler boasts design and engineering to operate efficiently and dependably on Wood, Coal, and Fuel Oil or Natural Gas/Propane.

Boiler Model Nomenclature

The following letters are used in designating boiler models and have the following meanings.  Note that letters may be used alone or in combination to designate the options included on a particular boiler model.

• W - Wood burning
• O - Oil burning
• C - Coal burning

*Specifications and design subject to change without notice.
All specifications shown are approximate.

Producing More BTU's

If more BTU's are needed than the maximum produced by one of our boilers, then two or more boilers may be used together to produce the amount of BTU's needed.

The Alternate Heating Systems Water Wall

Each Alternate Heating Systems boiler, heater and furnace is designed so that every piece of steel is in contact with the water in the system that is used to transfer heat to your radiant floor heat system, radiator, baseboard hot water, or heat exchanger.  This design ensures the most rapid and efficient heat transfer from the firebox into the water.  Efficiency is increased compared to other boilers that do not have this feature by allowing less heat to escape from the boiler surfaces before it is captured in the water.

ASME Certification

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers certification is available on any of our boiler lines for an additional charge.  This certification assures that the pressure vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with the ASME Code.  This certification is required for all commercial installations.  The certification is also required for some residential installations depending upon local codes - it is up to the homeowner to determine the need for an ASME certification on any boiler purchased.