Gravity Condensate Return To Steam Boiler

Unknown

of course it is, if you have to ask a question like that I would suggest you read the Lost Art Of Steam Heating book first to get more familiar with steam heat. It`s available from the online store at the top of this page.<BR>Many boiler return pumps are added to systems that didn`t need them in the first place.<BR><BR>Dave

Phil Richards

Gravity Condensate Return to Steam Boilers

Does anyone have experience with gravity condesate return to low pressure steam boilers? We are replacing boilers in a library and the existing system does not have a boiler feed or condensate return pump. All condensate returns by gravity directly into the boilers. If we replace the boilers, should we also add a pumped boiler feed system or is the gravity system still considered acceptable design practice?

Steamhead (in transit)

Gravity return is best

because it's the simplest way, with the fewest moving parts.

Too many return pumps are installed for no reason whatsoever. Don't fall into this trap- stay with gravity return.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

gerry gill

i agree with the others,

stay with gravity return.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Jeffrey K

Return lines

Stay with gravity, if changing boiler check main vents and clen or replace as much of wet return as you can. Gravity is best

Boilerpro_5

I pull pumps out ammost whenever i encounter them

and used to save them, but I never needed the parts because I keep pulling them out. With the low water lines of modern boilers, the geometry of systems change and even systems that once needed pumps (very few) can often have them removed. Most systems with pumps have boilers installed, sized and controlled incorrectly and usually improper system venting, from my experience. Don't believe the Weil Mclain install manuals about condensate pumps being part of standard installation practice.

Boilerpro

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Noel

Stay with gravity

I, too, have reconverted pumped commercial and residential steam systems to gravity.

If the water is coming back too slowly from a properly piped system, a pump won't "pull" it back. The tank just gives it a place to bring in and store more water, until it plugs up completely. Then you are right back to where you were before you bought the pump. A bigger tank won't help, then.

Noel