Dry return question

1974 bobcat

I went out to look at a steam boiler that another mechanic installed. I saw something questionable and (just for my own knowelege) wanted to get a few opinions. On a steam boiler (one pipe system)that has several dry returns they usually have a vent near the end and then drop to below the water line, in kind of a return header.

On this install the mechanic tied the two dry returns together in the ceiling ( increased the size)and then droped below the water line.



Is that ok?
It seams to me that the old timers droped those returns individually for a reason. I've been told that it is ok

Thanks, Bob

Steamhead (in transit)

Individual drops

were there to keep steam from going from one return line to the other. Dropping them below the waterline prevents this.

Does this system have main vents?

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1974 bobcat

reply

yes, it has 2 main vents and then it ties together and drops.

Steamhead (in transit)

You need

a second drop, then connect them below the waterline.

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1974 bobcat

Thanks for the advise, I thought that there was something wrong with the way it was piped. I fixed it today and now all the radiators heat.
The way it was tied in allowed the pressure to equalize an not much steam left the boiler, actually it was short cycling. It is all better now.

thanks bob

Steamhead (in transit)

Great!

and I'll bet their fuel bill goes down a bit, too.

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