flange joint problem

nicholas bonham-carter

after our new 1-pipe steam boiler installation, when our original pressuretrol was set down as low as it could go; it failed and allowed the pressure to rise up to the cut-out reset point[10 psi ].

this over strained a couple of old flange-joint gaskets, which were then replaced. the nuts and bolts were replaced with next size smaller [all he had in his box]. this allowed the joint to rotate slightly, changing the pitch of the upstream pipe causing a pooling of condensate to reduce the steam flow to 1 radiator.

it took a bit of head-scratching to figure out the solution to the problem. so always check the pipe pitch when repairing a flange-joint! maybe the maximum pressure should be set down to 2 psi before starting the boiler for the first time.--nbc

Unknown

What size

flanges were they ? That's alot of rotation to change the pitch of a pipe .

We've been having some problems with new pressuretrols also . We don't set the main dial lower than 3 now ( diff is subtractive ) , otherwise you're temping a callback for no heat . I'm suprised yours failed in the closed position . Did you turn the screw so far down it popped out of the spring ?

bob young

mexico

EVER since the pressuretrols started to be assembled in mexico the trouble began . before that ....never a problem. if a mechanic does not know how to work on flanges properly he should not touch them. working on a steam line & not checking pitch w/ a level indicates wrong man for the job.