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may be available in any model.  Please contact us!



Refurbished Used Boilers
may be available in any model.  Please contact us!



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Coal Gun™ Coal Stoker Boiler
for *Anthracite Coal

Convenient, economical, and reliable heat
Coal Gun coal boiler - 300 pound hopper model
300 pound hopper shown

Quick Answers

For Residential, Commercial &
Industrial Heating Applications

The Coal Gun™ Coal Stoker Boiler is the result of Eshland (now AHS) technology and the urgent request of commercial and industrial management. For businesses dependent upon large volumes of process hot water, or needing large areas heated comfortably through either forced air heat, steam heating, hydronic heating or radiant heat, the Coal Gun™ coal boiler offers an effective, efficient and relatively low cost solution. The average commercial application will pay for itself within a two year period, and we believe that the Coal Gun™ is the most efficient coal boiler on the market today.

Or smallest model (S130) will provide heat for an entire home including domestic hot water at 50% or less than the cost of conventional oil, gas or electric systems (see fuel cost BTU conversion chart).

Coal Gun™ coal stokers process hot water applications now in service include car washes, egg processing plants, motels, laundromats and etc.  Coal Gun™ steam heating, hydronic heating and radiant heat applications include residences, apartment houses, retail stores, greenhouses and manufacturing plants. For applications beyond 3.3 million BTU's Coal Gun™ coal stokers may be installed in tandem.

* If you only have access to bituminous (soft) coal, please see our Multi-Fuel Boiler.

Stack Temperature

The stack temperature is an indicator of how completely the fuel is being combusted.  The Alternate Heating Systems Inc. Coal Gun™ Stoker Boiler operates with one of the coolest stack temperatures of any coal boiler on the market (if not the coolest).  The stack temperature of a Coal Gun™ runs at approximately 350 degrees fahrenheit.  The low stack temperatures of our boilers are almost unheard of on the market.

How the Coal Gun™ works...

Clean burning anthracite coal can be transferred from the coal storage bin to the hopper by means of a spiral auger, or the hopper can be hand-loaded.  Depending upon conditions, using just the coal hopper (with no auger) and hand loading the hopper, the Coal Gun™ can operate unattended for up to 7 days.  The coal is fed by gravity from the hopper into the coal inlet tube.  Other than when using an auger, there are no moving parts in the coal feed mechanism making the system very reliable.  The only moving part that touches any component of the coal is the grate, which removes the ashes; and the Coal Gun™ grate has a lifetime warranty.  A fan-induced draft pulls air through the combustion chamber and fire tubes, spinning it through the swirl chamber and into the cyclone separator which removes any fly ash, dropping the ash onto the grate system. The fan also creates a vacuum in the unit eliminating fly ash leakage. The Coal Gun™ is clean, safe, trouble free and operates on pea- and wheat-sized hard coal.

 

How the Coal Gun Coal Boiler works

Cut-away View of Coal Gun™

Coal boiler cutaway showing domestic coil inside water wall area, swirl chamber, and fire tube heat exchanger

Using Fly Ash to Self-Clean the Swirl Chamber

The combustion of the fuel is so thorough that very little fly ash is produced.  But even the fly ash that is produced is put to good use - the system is designed so that the fly ash scours the inside of the swirl chamber, preventing the buildup of creosote that can dramatically lower combustion efficiency.  After scouring the swirl chamber, the little fly ash that remains from the combustion process is deposited in an ash pan that can be easily removed.

Fuel Consumption...

The amount of fuel used depends on many factors including the weather, type of installation, and building construction.  Due to its high efficiency, however, the Coal Gun™ coal boiler uses less fuel than other units on the market and will substantially reduce your annual heating costs.  The average residential home (2500 sq. ft. with moderate insulation) can be heated using only 4 - 5 tons of coal annually, and that includes heating the domestic hot water.  See our historical fuel sources comparison chart for additional help with examining fuel costs.

 

Coal Fast Fact:  Space Occupied by Coal

  • A cubic foot of broken Anthracite coal averages 54 pounds.
  • A ton of loose Anthracite coal occupies 40-43 cubic feet.
  • A cubic foot of broken Bituminous coal averages 49 pounds.
  • A ton of loose Bituminous coal occupies 40-48 cubic feet.

Source:  1919 Farm Journal Illustrated Rural Directory Of Genesee County, Michigan: Handy Tips

As an example, 45 cubic feet would require a bin
4 feet by 5 feet and 2 feet 3 inches deep.  The illustration below puts the size of such a bin in perspective with the size of a person.


Optional Accessories include

  • Domestic hot water coil (one or more)

  • Additional coil fittings (plugged)

  • Steam control and fittings package

  • Independent motor driven auger in place of standard auger

  • Belt driven induction fan (S130 & S260)

  • Thermo ash-monitoring control

Belt Drive Option Explained

The belt drive has a more durable fan assembly. The belt dive bearings are away from the heat of the boiler. The belt drive bearings are easily serviceable (greased). The belt drive makes less noise than the direct drive. This assembly causes the bearings to last longer than the direct drive bearing life of three to five years. If the boiler is going to be worked to it’s fullest potential, we fully recommend the belt drive option. 

Thermo Ash-Monitoring Control Option Explained

A timer-controlled grate is sufficient to achieve good performance on the Coal Gun.  However, we now offer the option of a Thermo Ash-Monitoring Control which provides optimal use of your fuel.  Ash that contains fuel that is not fully combusted will be a higher temperature than ash coming from thoroughly combusted fuel.   The Thermo Ash-Monitoring Control automatically monitors the temperature of the ash leaving the coal pot and leaves the ash in place until complete combustion occurs before allowing it to fall away.  Therefore, no adjustment other than the factory adjustment is typically necessary to have the boiler perform at peak power output throughout the burn season (a minor on-site adjustment may be necessary when the boiler is first installed).  In contrast, to maintain peak power output with a timer-based grate system, the timer must be adjusted to compensate for progressively more rapid burn times of the coal as the seasonal temperature gets progressively colder and likewise as temperatures warm in the spring.  With the Thermo Ash-Monitoring controlled grate, it is possible for the fire to remain lit for days during low usage periods without having to adjust the grate by hand as would be necessary in a timer-based grate control system.

Coal Gun™ Coal Stoker Boiler Specifications*
MODEL (boiler only) S130 S260 S500 S1000 S1500
Width 20" 23" 33" 40" 45"
Height 23" 27" 34" 41" 48"
Length 32" 46" 63" 77" 100"
Weight (lbs - approx.) 400 680 1,250 2,500 3,500
(assembled)          
Width 22" 26" 34" 40" 45"
Height 42" 47" 58" 66" 77"
Length 48" 62" 82" 102" 118"
Weight (lbs - approx.) 875 1,276 2,200 3,800 5,000
Water Capacity (gal - approx) 27 56 115 220 380
BTU/Hr 130,000 260,000 500,000 1,000,000 1,650,000
Flue Size (NPT) 5" 6" 8" 10" 12"
Return Tapping (NPT) 1 1/2" (2) 1 1/2" (2) 2" (2) 2 1/2" (2) 2 1/2"
Supply Tapping (NPT) 1 1/2" (1) 1 1/2" (1) 2" (2) 2 1/2" (2) 2 1/2"

*Specifications and design subject to change without notice.

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.


Coal Gun™ Coal Stoker Boiler Capacaties...

Heating Capacity Using Hot Water/Low Pressure (15 psi) Steam Application*
Model BTU/Hr Area (sq. ft.)
S130 130,000 4,000
S260 260,000 8,000
S500 500,000 15,000
S1000 1,000,000 30,000
S1500 1,650,000 50,000

*Depending on building construction, use, and insulation

 
Gal/Hr Capability for Process Hot Water, Based on 100° Rise
Model Hot Water Capacity (gal/hr)
S260 250
S500 500
S1000 1,000
S1500 1,650

All Specifications shown are approximate.


Coal Gun coal boiler - end view

Coal Gun coal stoker boiler - front view

Coal Gun coal stoker boiler - 400 pound model shown

Coal Boiler with auger coal feed mechanism

Coal Gun with auger coal
 feed mechanism shown

Coal Stoker Coal Boilers - 300 and 400 pound hopper models


AHS Quality...

Every AHS coal boiler is manufactured from the highest quality materials by highly trained, dedicated technicians. Every unit is tested extensively before it leaves our factory to ensure its adherence to our high standards of quality.  Each Coal Gun™ comes complete with all controls necessary for operation and safety.  All motor and drive mechanisms are totally enclosed.  Standard equipment includes an insulated boiler jacket, totally enclosed motor and drive systems, primary and backup aquastat thermostats (hot water units), low water cut-off on commercial units (models S500 and above), and a pressure relief valve (steam units).

Our Coal Gun™ boilers are some of the most durable heating units available. The AHS commitment to quality leads to a long boiler life (some reported at 26 years and counting) and years of hassle-free operation. The bottom line is that a quality-manufactured AHS coal stoker boilerwill save you both time and money in your heating application.


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.


Limited Warranty

Alternate Heating Systems, Inc. boilers and furnaces are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for the following periods:

  • Boiler Vessel  - 5 years

  • Grate - S130 & S260 - Lifetime; Other models - please call

  • All other components both manufactured by Alternate Heating Systems, Inc. and purchased from vendors will vary in length of warranty from 30 days to 1 year

A copy of the complete warranty text, detailing coverage, limitations, warranty claim procedure and state law rights is available from Alternate Heating Systems, Inc.

 

 

 
 




Including designs formerly from Eshland Enterprises


The Coal Gun™ Coal Stoker Boiler operates unattended for up to 7 days!




 
 

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