What about \"Y\" strainers for main vents?

Daniel_3

Since I was on the subject I was looking into Y strainers for the main vents. How do you guys feel about them? Is it worth it to save the main vents from failure by artifact and obstructions? Bascially they are not cheap so I may rule them out completely since I wouldn't buy a cheesy one.

Brad White_9

Not to say

"it has never been done", (and that is a block to new ideas), let me offer some idle, random thoughts:

1) If the main vent is placed 15-18" back from the end drop of the main, I would think that the amount of crud making a hard upward turn would be minimal. IOW: Has crud been a problem and if so, was it due to a poor location?

2) To be effective as a cleanable device, the strainer has to be installed in a horizontal attitude. (With steam this means the belly out to the side so it does not become a water-filled trap.) If the belly is up, gravity ceases to be useful in blowing the stuff out (if indeed any there is). Regardless, at such low pressures, there is no "oomph" (real engineering term here!) to blow out the debris.

3) To mount the strainer in a horizontal attitude means you will need some nipples and elbows; do you have room? Maybe you will be making a "Gorton Menorah" and can justify it. Otherwise, it is a bit of work.

In summary, no harm but I see not much benefit either, especially if your main vent is properly located in the first place.

My $0.02,

Brad

Daniel_3

I was planning on setting it back 15" or so and then up another 15"-18" so you are correct to say that it probably won't be much benefit due to the low pressures of this onepipe system. I do have the room for the set-up. The only difficult part will be removing the 2" - 1" reducing 90 degree elbow. I think some heat on the female should do the trick.

Brad White_9

I think some heat

on the female should do the trick too, but flowers and chocolate cannot hurt either. Good luck!