Need help with broomell receiver

Robert Pastor

I want to remove the broomell receiver on a vapor vacuum system and install a new boiler. Does anyone know if I need to put in a condensate pump or can I pipe it into the the return line on the hartford loop.

Steamhead (in transit)

I wouldn't remove it

If you do you will have to repipe the dry returns so air can vent from them. The receiver not only serves as the path for returning condensate, it also routes air from the radiators thru a ceiling-mounted condenser and into the chimney, where the slight vacuum produced by chimney draft helps pull air from the system.

Try to keep the new boiler's water level about where the old one's was and you should be OK.

And you will not need a condensate pump for this system. Keep the pressure low- about 7 ounces or so- using a Vaporstat, and the water will return by gravity thru the Hartford Loop.

Robert Pastor

The receiver is disconnected from the condenser and missing all of its internal parts. It also steams up every morning and thats why I wanted to remove it. How would you repipe the return line so they can vent properly.

Steamhead (in transit)

Two options

1. You could hook it back up to the condenser and chimney. This would take advantage of chimney draft to pull air out of the system. The float that used to be inside the receiver was there to regulate the draft on the coal-fired boiler. You do not need it now. If you go this way, put an aquastat on the pipe leading from the condenser to the chimney to stop the burner if steam gets past the condenser.

2. If you remove the receiver, you need to vent the dry returns. This is the only way air can get out of the radiators. You're probably looking at two Gorton #2 vents on the dry return, more if this is a larger system.

And pay attention to the venting of the steam mains. This will prevent uneven heating by getting steam to the ends of the mains before it starts to rise into the radiators. Measure the length and diameter of each steam main and we can tell you what you need.