Equalizer valve

Luv'nsteam

With king valves on both mains closed and a return valve in the Hartford loop, also closed, then open up mud leg/return condensate valve (at rear of boiler) and mud leg can be blown down.  This is described in Dan's new book, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Greening Steam </span>(page 102).

 

I was thinking though, what if there was an additional valve, located in the equalizer?  Close the equalizer valve, king valves and the return valve.  Open up the boiler mud leg blow-down valve with steam cranked up for cleaning and the steam, not being able to travel through the header into the mains or equalizer or Hartford loop, would clean out the bottom of the boiler.  Does this make sense?  Do you who are wise and knowledgeable think this a good idea or not?  Please advise.



Thank you,

Mike

jpf321

after studying...

after reading Dan's blowdown procedures, asking questions and studying different pictures installed by the pros .. I installed several "return-side" valves .. see 3 pictures starting here: http://picasaweb.google.com/jpf321/Fitzgibbons400Boiler?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOPnfifvI7MNA#5420443420370978322



I have a boiler drain valve in background of 3rd pic, a dirt leg drain, a gate valve on hartford and a return drain right after glass pipe .. i sould be able to blow most things with these valves installed.



jpf

Luv'nsteam

pics of valves

JPF, nice pics.  I especially like the glass return.  What a great way to keep an eye on the water quality. 

I have no doubt if I do not use the equalizer valve I will still be able to blow down and clean the boiler, but if the steam can only force the water backwards though the boiler, I was just thinking it would be a more efficiant cleanout of the bottom.

How do you paste the words on your pics?

Thank you,

Mike

jpf321

i use Picasa...

i use http://picasa.google.com/ from google for all my local picture management .. it allows me to add text ... what's even nicer is that it allows me to change the text at a later date if I like .. that is, the text is not permanently embedded .. i love picasa .. and of course if I have "sync to web turned on" any changes which I make locally are reflected in my online albums.



jpf

Luv'nsteam

Picasa

I'll check that out, thanks JPF.



Mike