Flush valve

Jim Pompetti

I had a idea how to save a little money on an steam install. On the bottom of the boiler , we install a flush valve to (of course) flush the bottom of the boiler during cleaning. By using a 2 1/2 inch nipple, an ecentric reductor and either a 1 1/2 " or 2" ball valve we can save about a $100. Do you think in will hinder the flushing.

Brad White_200

Velocity

Assuming a cold flush, if you can get an inflow of 19 GPM for a 1-1/4" full-port valve or 26 GPM for a 1-1/2" full-port valve, I would think that you could carry away any loose silt.

I would think that at least 4 FPS is essential, 6 FPS if you can. That means a lot of water though and possibly the ability to valve off all other ports to keep the pressure up. Do watch that pressure of course, I know you will.

More flow (if you can get even those flows to begin with), should not hurt. The way I figure it, if that velocity will not carry the mud away, it was not meant to be

Naturally you are up against a reasonable flow rate and velocity, but not having a valve so small that it will clog. I like that you are using eccentric reducers. I cannot always find them locally but have a couple I salvaged.

If you are doing a hot operating blow-down, naturally that will limit your make-up rate.

My $0.02 anyway.

Brad

Jim Pompetti

Brad

I think you are in the Philly area , Betzs Supply , in Lester Pa ,carries ecentric fittings and can ship them to you.

Brad White_200

Hi Jim!

Actually, I am in Boston. I do not do a lot of installation work, but when you need them, you need them badly Nice old cast iron fittings are hard to find. Our old gravity HW system fittings will find a new home in a steam system at some point. Re-use, recycle!

Peace.

Brad