Hartford loop in a boiler feed system/vacuum return

Jim Farrell_2

We are not not certain that using a hartford loop in a vacuum return with a heat balancer and a duplex boiler feed system will provide any benefit.

Can anyone comment?

Thanks
Jim

DanHolohan

If the pump is near the boiler

there's no benefit at all.

[Deleted User]

Before eliminating

the Hartford Loop, you might want to check the local code. Our city requires a Hartford Loop on all low pressure steam boilers. Matters not whether return is pumped or gravity.

Rodney Summers

Ron

Where are you? Which code are you citing?


Robert O'Connor/NJ

[Deleted User]

Washington, D. C.

DCMR 13B

Rodney Summers

Ron

DCMR 13B, I'm assuming this means District of Columbia Municipal Regulations section 13B. It would appear to me that this is the Administrative Code for your area and its adoption of DCMR Title 12/ Construction Code Supplements.

I briefly "googled" the DCMR, and it would appear the Administrative Code adoption(s) (with exceptions) govern the use of the International Mechanical Code. The 2003 IMC Section 1004 BOILERS/section; 1004.2 Installation. This section states that the installation shall conform to the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Do you have more detailed information?


Many medium to large boiler installations require feed units or condensate pumps that usually negate this piping arrangement and use. Although it never hurts to install one, I agree with our host in stating there is no benefit at all.


Robert O'Connor/NJ

RonWHC

Unfortunately,

D. C. picks & chooses which parts of which codes they want to enforce. The H/ L is one of the "thou shalts." Another is the requirement for brass pipe, w/ crosses & plugs, for feed water & control piping on steam boilers.

The plumbing inspectors are OK on residential equipment. No so when the D. C. Boiler Inspection Department gets involved w/ inputs above 525 MBH. Found out the hard way, it is seldom worth the trouble to disagree. Since the subject started w/ a vacuum/feed water unit; that meant a commercial job.

Rodney Summers

Ron

Interesting reading.

http://dcra.dc.gov/dcra/frames.asp?doc=/dcra/lib/dcra/information/forms_docs/pdf/dcmr12.pdf&open=|33466|

It is very difficult finding/navigating through DC government services. I can see your point now. At first glance it would seem you are under the 2003 IMC, but then I read where ASME & other regulations kick in. You have some silly rules down there, and if I can't put my finger on it , well, then,,,,,,,,,??


Nevermind............I think I'm gonna call Weezbo now, this is right up his alley! (just kidding Weez)

Robert O'Connor/NJ