Fuel For Live Steam Boilers

Piedmont Steam Supply does not sell fuel.  It is a hazardous material when shipped via USPS or the other commercial shippers.  This makes it very expensive to ship.

Denatured Alcohol

You can find Denatured Alcohol at any home improvement store, many hardware stores, or even paint stores.  There are many brands available, look for the container to say "good for marine stoves". 

Do not buy isopropyl alcohol at the drug store - read the label, you'll see it has either 9% water, or even higher water content.  This makes it unsuitable as a fuel for your live steam boiler.

Exception:  If you are steaming outside, on a hot summer day, and your safety valve keeps blowing off, the lower heat content of isopropyl alcohol can work for you, eliminating the constant lifting of your safety valve.

Keep your fuel can tightly closed.  Alcohol will absorb water from the air.  I also mark the can with the date it was bought, so I use one can until empty, and then open the next.

Fuel Tablets

You can either find these on the internet (eBay is one auction site to try), or check with your local camping store.  Again, these are expensive to ship, and you will get the best value buying locally. 

Water

We don't sell water - but again, it is readily available.  Your grocery store sells gallons of distilled water.  Use this, and your boiler will thank you.

Don't use tap water or de-ionized water.  These contain minerals which will accumulate in your boiler, and coat the gauge glass, and inside walls.  You will have reduced efficiency of the boiler, or the gauge glass will become hazy.  Hint - to remove these mineral deposits, fill the boiler with vinegar, and let sit overnight.  Rinse out the boiler well, and you should have no more problems.

Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.