Motion Picture Herald (Nov-Dec 1944)

Outlming for the Theatre Operator What Makes a Good M^f^ Heating Installation IN THE PLANNING of a new theatre, a general all-around knowledge of the various pieces of heating equipment, and what constitutes a good heating system installation, will not only be of benefit in the designing stage, but will contiribute toward years of trouble-free and efficient performance. This does not mean that the theatre owner must know all about intricate heatload problems — that's for a heating engineer to know; but it should profit him to be familiar with a heating system sufficiently to tell, without much trouble, if the proper provisions are being made, and whether the instp.llation is done according to the best practices. In the layout of the heating system he ought to make sure that there is sufficient space provided for the installation and future operation of the boiler so that it is not placed at the last minute in some two-by-four space left in the basement. This has happened many times, with the result that the boiler could not be operated, serviced or maintained at peak efficiency. The space for the boiler room should be so planned that all the heating system pipe runs in the theatre can be installed to the boiler in the shortest and straightest line possible, and without being located in inaccessible places. A generous amount of clear, working space should be allowed around all sides of the boiler, not only for the proper piping connections at the boiler, but for convenience in future operation and maintenance. The chimney should be so located that the flue piping from the boiler to the chimney is as short and straight as possible and is without sharp or tricky bends. The height and size of the flue opening of the chimney will depend on the type and make of the boiler to be installed. This is very important to the proper and efficient operation of the boiler. It is better for the chimney to be a' little oversize rather than under the size recommended by the heating people. Whenever feasible, the chimney should extend at least 4 feet above the nearest roof, trees, etc., when a coal-burning boiler is to be used. COAL STORAGE Make sure that sufficient space is allowed for the coal storage bin or bins, that this coal storage space is reasonably near the boiler, and that the enclosing walls are of brick or of other heat-insulating material. The bin should be so designed that the coal stored there will never have to be piled high against the ceiling, but that space will be left for the collection and dissipation of excessive heat. Have sufficient ceiling height to accommodate the boiler and its piping without constructina: special pits later on. In case different kind^ of coal are to be used, the bin should be par titioned so that each particular kind of coal has its own storage space. This is especially necessary when a large amount of coal will be stored. Any sream pipes that must run through the coal bin must be well insulated against heat transmission. Adequate ventilation should be provided for the boiler room so that in the event excessive and dangerous amount of heat is generated in the coal bin, it can be readily and easily exhausted. The coal bin should be constructed as nearly air-tight as possible to prevent undue oxidation as well as entrance of »1 water. The above precautions are suggested expressly for minimizing the possibility of spontaneous combustion in large amounts of stored coal. Proper provision should be made for convenience in filling the coal bin as well as foi the removal of ashes from the boiler room, Whenever physical conditions warrant it, a good type of ash hoist or elevator should b(| installed. The floor of the boiler room should always be of concrete and of good composition t( prevent water seepage and be finished with i Above are diagrammed heating system piping connections. FIGURE I (left) shows the old style connections of the boiler; FIGURE 2 (right) indicates the new style. It T[i / V V Supply Id — — t Co 11.5 — 1 co/ls . . __ FIGURE 3. Scheme showing piping connections at indirect heating coils for atmospheric and vacuum systems using a central fan for movement of hot air. 14 BEHER THEATRES, DECEMBER 9, 19