Inside the Boiler Room

This episode of Inside Boiler Room features boiler historian, international author, columnist, and consultant Ray Wohlfarth. Ray has been working with boilers for more than 40 years, written 13 books on many aspects of working with boilers, and hosts a series called the Boiler Room Detective on his YouTube Channel. In this episode, Ray shares his passion for boilers, boiler operation and maintenance tips, highlights some of his books and shares insights on his YouTube channel. 

Tristen Gitzel from Northern Blower joins Inside the Boiler Room for a insightful discussion on boiler fan technology and its impact on operations and efficiency.

National STEM/STEAM Day, a day dedicated to promoting and celebrating education and careers in science, technology, engineering, art & design, and mathematics, takes place on November 8th. In honor of national STEM/STEAM Day, ABMA is dedicating November's podcast episode on discussing the importance of STEAM in the boiler industry. ABMA's Vice President of Membership & Marketing, Shaunica Jayson is joined by Catie VanWormer, Director of Hydronics at Cleaver-Brooks, and Steven Taylor, Vice President - Rental Division at WARE. Catie will share how her engineering background has shaped her career in the boiler industry. Steven, with over 40 years of experience in the boiler industry, began his career as a welder, and he will share his insights and expertise on how welding plays a crucial role in our industry. Tune in for an enlightening and inspiring discussion at the intersection of STEM/STEAM and the boiler industry. We hope this episode will inspire those pursuing STEAM careers to consider opportunities in our field.

Jonathan Kapel joins ABMA's Inside the Boiler Room for a captivating conversation about the importance of properly trained boiler operators to head off minor issues before they major ones and ensure a safe and efficient boiler room.

Bob Langstine from Zeeco joined Inside the Boiler Room to share insights on the evolution of hydrogen as an energy source in the boiler room. Scott and Bob discussed the current state of hydrogen, what makes it different than other sources, and the challenges to expanding opportunities. For more details about Zeeco, please visit Zeeco.com. ABMA's Inside the Boiler Room is now a video podcast on YouTube, along with an audio version on various podcast platforms. Visit ABMA.com for more information.

In this episode, Brandon Jarrell and Paul Cooper join Inside the Boiler Room to discuss their recent boiler retube project in Richmond, VA, why a retube might be a good solution and what can be done to avoid the downtime and cost of a large maintenance project. For more details on Valley Boiler, please visit them at www.valleyboiler.net. ABMA's Inside the Boiler Room is now a video podcast on YouTube along with an audio version on various podcast platforms.   Visit ABMA.com for more information.      

In this episode, Rob McManamy with HPAC ' On the Air' interviews ABMA's Advisory Committee Chair Eric Graham and event organizer and Marketing Director Shaunica Jayson about ABMA's new show for the boiler supply chain, which is finally at hand. They explain why BOILER 2022 is such a big deal.

Holger Deimann, President & CEO of CERTUSS America joins ABMA for the second episode of Season 2 of Inside the Boiler Room. In this episode, Holger shares an overview of the modular boiler concept for steam generators from manufacturing to installation and operation. He also highlights the importance of maintenance and water treatment which is critical no matter what boiler is in operation. To learn more about the CERTUSS America, visit their website at www.certuss-america.com. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com. To learn more about BOILER 2022, visit www.BOILER2022.com.

Welcome to Season 2 of Inside the Boiler Room.  Our first episode of this season features Joel Amato from the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors to discuss the National Board's role of overseeing adherence to laws, rules, and regulations relating to boilers and pressure vessels. In this episode, Joel shares his background and the history of the National Board along with the importance of the state inspector and NBIC code along with the significance of the NB stamp and their new initiatives. To learn more about the National Board, visit their website at www.nationalboard.org and follow them on Twitter @NBBIdotorg. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

This episode of Inside the Boiler Room features Larry Day, President & CEO of Nationwide Boiler sharing his insights on the world of rental boilers that has significant relevance during the COVID-19 crisis with boilers near capacity at many hospitals and food processing facilities. After listening to this podcast, you will understand what an important role the boiler rental sector plays for many end-users of our products. If you are not familiar with rental boilers and use boilers for any reason, the knowledge from this podcast may come in handy in the future. Nationwide is a member of the ABMA’s Rental Group. Below is a link to each of our rental companies. Cleaver-Brooks Sales & Service Nationwide Boiler Power Mechanical Powerhouse Equipment Wabash Power WARE We discussed the basics of rental boilers and why an end-user would need a rental boiler. These boilers can also be categorized as mobile boiler units or boiler trailers and we may be using them interchangeably during the episode. You might think that rental boilers are only for emergencies but Larry stated the rental business has evolved and only about 15% of their business is emergencies, many are planned outages or seasonal needs for additional steam and hot water. Beyond the basics, we discussed how end-users can prepare for outreach to rental companies to expedite the process and the importance of preparing the site for the rental delivery. We wrapped up our conversation discussing potential challenges with different technology and maintenance of the rental boiler system. During the episode, Larry mentions ABMA’s Guidelines to Rental Boilers which is a great resource for end-users. To learn more about Nationwide Boiler, please visit their website at the link above or find them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter, @SteamNow. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

This is a special episode of Inside the Boiler Room featuring Doug Wright, President & CEO of Superior Boiler and Vice-Chair of ABMA. Please note, this episode was recorded on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Doug joined ABMA President & CEO Scott Lynch for a discussion on how Superior Boiler and the boiler industry are adapting to the ever-evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The conversation began by going back to early March when it seemed like business as usual. This quickly changed around March 12th and within days, daily interactions were significantly impacted. Doug shared how Superior Boiler reacted to the initial information on the virus and how they began to take action within the company to ensure the health and safety of their employees. The discussion transitioned to the critical role of the boiler industry in supporting the global infrastructure and their focus on continuing to manufacture while taking all the proper precautions. The episode concluded with a conversation about the resources ABMA has provided and how Superior Boiler is using the information to address the challenges set forth by these unique times. To learn more about Superior Boiler, please visit their website at www.superiorboiler.com. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels using #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

Kevin Choi from UL LLC joins us for Episode #16 of Inside the Boiler Room.  This episode is sponsored by Webster Combustion Technology. Webster is a long-standing member of ABMA and a leader in burner technology for the boiler industry. For more details on Webster, please visit their web site at www.webster-engineering.com. The podcast begins with an overview of what makes UL unique and an effective third-party and then a discussion of how UL partners with manufacturers throughout the listing process and what UL listed products should mean to the boiler end-user. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of proper maintenance and staying current with today’s standards and technology. To learn more about UL, visit www.ul.com. On their homepage, you can search for boilers and their Product IQ feature shared in the podcast.  For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

Author and Industry Columnist Ray Wohlfarth joins ABMA for Episode #15 of Inside the Boiler Room to discuss the benefits of boilers in the commercial sector. Ray is also president of Fire & Ice Heating & Cooling in Pittsburgh, PA. ABMA would to thank long-time ABMA Member Preferred Utilities for sponsoring this podcast episode. To learn more about Preferred, visit them at Preferred-MFG.com.  This episode begins with Ray sharing an overview of his boiler career and his passion for working with boiler operators then jumps into dispelling boiler myths as it relates to the commercial sector and compares commercial boilers with VRF systems in the areas of safety, reliability, efficiency and maintenance. Throughout the conversation, you will enjoy Ray’s passion for job in boiler industry and realize that he has seen and solved countless problems in a boiler room. To learn more about Ray Wohlfarth, visit www.boilerlessons.com follow him on Twitter @FireIceHeat. For Fire & Ice, visit their website at www.fireiceheat.com. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

Jim Kolbus from Clark-Reliance joins ABMA for Episode #14 of Inside the Boiler Room.  This is Jim’s second time on Inside the Boiler Room. He was also featured in Episode #3 focusing on boiler installation. In this episode, Jim brings his expertise to the topic of boiler drum level instrumentation.  Jim regularly presents on this topic and is the lead author of their guidebook on Drum Level Instrumentation Guideline that is updated regularly based on changes in the ASME code.  This episode discusses the importance of drum level instrumentation and the various types of direct reading glass gages and indirect remote level indicators. In addition, we delve into the importance of proper installation and outside influences that can effect operations including proper piping and value selection concluding with a discussion of ASME codes as it relates to drum level instrumentation along with common code violations Clark-Reliance sees in the field and the corrective measures to address them. To learn more about Clark-Reliance, visit their website at www.clarkreliance.com,  follow them on Twitter @ClarkReliance and check out their YouTube page – search Clark Reliance. For a copy of Boiler Inspection Guidelines for Drum Level Instrumentation, visit www.relianceboilertrim.com/boiler-inspection-guide. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

Tom Wenning from Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) joins ABMA for Episode #13 of the Inside the Boiler Room.  ORNL is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. This episode shares insights on the impactful research taking place at ORNL and the resources for boiler manufacturers and end-users of our products including the Better Buildings, Better Plants program, Federal Energy Management Program and new online tools available to assess your current energy management along with the value and impact of future investment. To learn more about Oak Ridge and the other National Laboratories, visit and follow them on Twitter @ORNL. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

Bob Rizza from Power Flame and Eric Graham from Webster Combustion join ABMA for Episode #12 of Inside the Boiler Room to share insights on burners for firetube boilers. This episode features discussions on recent burner technology advances, purchasing a new burner, proper burner installation and ways to ensure efficiency during operation. To learn more about Power Flame, visit their website at www.powerflame.com and follow them on Twitter @Power_Flame_Inc. For Webster Combustion, visit their website at www.webster-engineering.com and follow them on Twitter @WbstrEngneering. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

Newly elected ABMA Board Chair John Viskup, President & CEO of Victory Energy, joins Inside the Boiler Room for Episode #11. Guest interviewer Robert Beverly, editor of ABMA’s magazine Today’s Boiler and senior editor of The News, talks with Viskup about his origins in the boiler industry, the continuing innovation in our sector and how ABMA members are solutions providers for their customers. He also shares why Victory is a member of ABMA, and how the association is addressing industry-wide issues such as workforce development. For more details on Victory Energy, visit their website at victoryenergy.com and on Twitter via @Victory_Energy. For more details on ABMA, visit our website at www.abma.com or social media channels with #ABMABoiler.

This episode of Inside the Boiler Room follows a flying theme with discussions with two speakers from our 2019 Annual Meeting. Johan Mlouka from Flyability kicks off the episode sharing opportunities of drone technology in boiler installation, inspection and maintenance. The episode concludes with Nicole Malachowski, the female Air Force Thunderbird Pilot sharing her story that begins with military achievement in a male-dominated hierarchy to overcoming life-threatening situations by Harnessing Headwinds of Change and growing from her experiences. For more details on Flyability, visit their web site at www.flyability.com,  follow them on Twitter @fly_ability and check out their YouTube channel. For more information on Nicole, visit her website at www.nicolemalachowski.com and check out her Linkedin profile.  For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

Gene Tompkins, ABMA’s Technical Consultant, joins ABMA for Episode #9 of Inside the Boiler Room to discuss the various boiler types along with their features and what makes each of them the right fit for some applications and challenging for others.  The discussion points in this episode come from a new ABMA publication authored by Tompkins titled Boiler Types for Steam Applications. ABMA is pleased to share that this episode of the podcast is sponsored Superior Boiler, a proud member of ABMA and manufacturer of Scotch Marine Firetube and high efficiency Condensing boilers as well as associated boiler room equipment for process steam, hot water, and waste recovery. Please visit www.superiorboiler.com to learn more about their products and follow them on Twitter at @SuperiorBoiler. For more details on ABMA and to download Boiler Types for Steam Application, visit our website at www.abma.com or social media channels with #ABMABoiler.

Dustin Divinia from Vector Systems & Sean McMenamin from Nationwide Boiler joins ABMA for Episode #8 of the podcast for a discussion Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to address NOx emissions. This episode shares the features of the SCR systems and what end-users should know about the installation and maintenance of the system. For more details on Vector Systems, visit their website at www.vectorsystems-usa.com.  For more details on Nationwide Boiler, visit their website at www.nationwideboiler.com and follow them on twitter at @SteamNow. For more information, on ABMA, check out our social media channels with #ABMABoiler or visit our website at www.abma.com.

This special episode of Inside of the Boiler Room features interviews with 2018 Manufacturers Conference keynote speakers Jerrod Murr of Paradigm Shift and Retired Navy Seal Darren McBurnett. If you lead or wish to lead within your company, this podcast is for you. Their messages will inspire you to be a better leader and focus on building exceptional teams within your company. Listeners can follow Jerrod on Twitter @jerrodmurr.  For more details on Paradigm Shift, visit www.paradigmshiftleadership.com and follow them @ParadigmShiftOK. There are links to other social media platforms from their homepage. For more details on Darren McBurnett and Folds of Honor and/or to donate, visit www.foldsofhonor.org and follow them on Twitter @FoldsofHonor.

Tom Garbarino of BFS Industries and Jeremy Zellmer of Industrial Steam joins ABMA for Episode #6 of the podcast to discuss the importance of deaeration in the boiler room. This episode features the benefits and impact of deaeration, common mistakes with deaerator installation and how end-users can head off water treatment issues.  For more details on BFS Industries, visit their website at www.bfs-ind.com.   For more details on Industrial Steam, visit their website at www.industrialsteam.com.         For more details on ABMA and to download the Deaeration white papers, visit our website at www.abma.com or social media channels with #ABMABoiler.

This episode features Connor Lokar from ITR Economics and who shares an economic outlook for boiler industry, the short and long-term impact of Trump Administration focus on tariffs and the realities for coal, gas and renewables. For more details on the Manufacturers Conference, visit the ABMA website at abma.com. Follow ITR Economics on Twitter @ITROutlook and itreconomics.com. ABMA is Twitter @ABMABoiler along with Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Steve Taylor from WARE joins ABMA for Episode #4 of the podcast to discuss the importance of boiler maintenance and training. Our conversation addressed the need for a comprehensive maintenance schedule, how to head off issues before they become big problems and the importance of partnering with expert field technicians.  In addition, we discussed the importance of training for boiler installers, operators and anyone working with boilers and Steve shared some details on WARE’s Boiler University. For more details on WARE, visit their website at www.wareinc.com.      Visit WARE’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/wareboilers for episodes of Boiling Point and Steam Culture.  You can follow WARE on Twitter & Facebook @WareInc.  For more details on ABMA, visit our website at www.abma.com or social media channels with #ABMABoiler.

This episode discusses the importance of proper boiler installation with the publication authors Gene Tompkins, ABMA’s Technical Consultant and Jim Kolbus, product manager at Clark-Reliance. Our discussion touches on various areas of the boiler installation from common missteps and the role of codes and standards to what can happen if the boiler is not properly installed by a trained technician.   To download the Boiler Installation Guide or for more details on ABMA, visit our website at www.abma.com or social media channels with #ABMABoiler.   You can follow Clark-Reliance on Twitter @ClarkReliance

Ross Eisenberg, vice president of energy and resources policy at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) joins the podcast to discuss the outlook for Federal Energy and Environmental policy in the age of Trump.  During our discussion, we discuss the unique times in Washington, the Trump Administration’s focus on manufacturing and the outlook for energy and environmental policies from DOE and EPA that could have an impact on the global boiler industry.  For more insights on NAM focus on energy and environmental issues, visit www.nam.org/Issues/Energy-and-Environment.   You can follow NAM and Ross on Twitter. NAM on Twitter at @ShopFloorNAM Ross on Twitter at @REisenbergNAM For more details on ABMA, visit our website at www.abma.com or social media channels with #ABMABoiler.

This episode is an introduction to the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) and our new podcast. We share insights on why ABMA decided to a podcast, what to expect and preview a few upcoming episodes.  For more details on ABMA, visit our website at www.abma.com or social media channels with #ABMABoiler.