Vent-Rite: Revolutionizing Boiler Feed Efficiency and Reliability

The Challenge

Strawberry Mansion High School in North Central Philadelphia required replacement of an aging boiler‑feed system serving its steam‑heated campus. Engineers specified a 1,000‑gallon stainless‑steel receiver with five condensate pumps and a control panel; however, the only entry to the below‑grade mechanical room was a horizontal 78 in. × 78 in. hatch located 26 ft above the equipment pad. A conventional factory‑packaged unit—48 in. in diameter and 132 in. long before pumps, piping, and controls—could not pass through the opening, jeopardizing the project schedule and budget.

The Solution

B.J. Terroni Co. consulted Skidmore to devise a custom configuration. Skidmore engineers added heavy‑duty lifting lugs to one end of the cylindrical tank, enabling a vertical “end‑first” descent through the hatch. The crane‑rigging plan, lug sizing, and weld locations were calculated to protect personnel and equipment during lowering. Once the unit reached the mechanical room floor, come‑along winches guided it precisely into final position for piping and electrical connections.

The Outcome

The modified boiler‑feed unit arrived on site, was lifted by crane, and was lowered smoothly through the confined opening without field disassembly. Installation proceeded on schedule, eliminating the need for costly structural alterations or multi‑piece re‑fabrication. The high‑capacity feed system now supports reliable steam generation for the 340‑school Philadelphia district’s 200,000‑plus students.

Key Takeaways

• Custom engineering overcame a 78 in. access constraint for a 1,000‑gallon boiler‑feed unit.
• Rigging‑specific lifting lugs allowed safe vertical placement from street level to a room 26 ft below.
• Avoided structural demolition, minimizing installation time and cost.
• Long‑standing collaboration between B.J. Terroni and Skidmore delivered a fit‑for‑purpose solution on the first attempt.