Steam Question

Steamhead (in transit)

is where the system's make-up water goes in, and how the pump is controlled.

A condensate pump is basically a glorified sump pump. The pump starts when the tank fills, regardless of what's going on elsewhere. Make-up water is fed thru a feeder unit like a M&M 51-2 on the boiler.

A boiler-feed pump handles returning condensate AND make-up water. The pump starts when a control on the boiler (M&M 150 or similar) calls for water. A ballcock in the tank maintains a minimum water level so the pump doesn't cavitate. With this setup, no water enters the boiler until called for, so the boiler is much less likely to flood.

Both units have their place. If a system absolutely can't run on gravity return, use a boiler-feed pump at the boiler. This is especially true on Scotch-Marine boilers that require tight control of the waterline. If you need to pump condensate back to the boiler room from a distant collection point in the building, use a condensate pump, which can pump into the tank of a boiler-feed pump.

"Steamhead"

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Todd S_8

Condensate receiver VS Boiler Feed Units

What's the defference between these two? They seem like they are basiclly doing the same function.

Todd S_8

Condensate receiver VS Boiler Feed Units

So I looked at the Alyan Pump website and it looks like the condensate receiver would bring back condensate from different areas of the building TO a boiler feed pump.

It looks like the added capability of the boiler feed unit is to be able to introduce makeup water as well.