Equalizing Line question

John_120

200 HP boiler on site. Found a 2 inch swing check valve in the two inch equalizing line (on the water side) of the boiler. Should this check valve be removed or will it not hinder the operation of the system? Direction of check valve is twords the water side - so any condensation would be forced into the water side. Boiler operating pressure is approx. 40-45 PSI. Note: There is a Feed Water Pump supplying water to the boiler from a remote area. Is there a need for the equalizing line at all?

EBEBRATT-Ed

Sounds like someone put it there to prevent the feed pump from forcing water up into the Steam Header.

It will probably cause no problem. jmho

ED

frank_25

A boiler of that size and pressure would have a boiler feed pump that ordinarily will have a pair of check valves at the pump. My guess is that check valve on the equilizer is just the third check in the water feed arangement.

Christian Egli_2

All things equal, pipes are nice to look at

Lots depends on where the equalizing line starts.

If it is connected to the bottom of a steam header, for instance, then this equalizing line also serves as an entrained unboiled water drain, that funnels condensate back to the boiler. In this case the equalizing line is vital.

If it is connected to the top of any steam pipe, then it could still be part of a Hartford loop connection, or it could just be decorative.

Feed lines don't have to be piped into an equalizing line. But if you do use a Hartford type connection, then you give yourself a guarantee against a boiler bleeding itself to death.

The check valve on an equalizer line between the header and the boiler can be a huge source of trouble if it fails shut or if the condensate can't stack itself high enough to open it. Whatever purpose the check valve serves may be best achieved another way.

Is there a possible difference in pressure, either temporary (with multiple boilers not all on line) or permanent (pressure reducing valves inserted) between the two ends of the equalizing line?

Answering this question, like the big questions in life, will explain the need or the uselessness of the check valve.

Something to check.