Novan DHW system component

Bruce_10

A few years back this web site saved my gravity hot water heating system (which is doing fine thank you).

Today, I'm back with another question. My house also has a 30+ year-old Novan Solar DHW system (heat exchanger, not drain down). While doing repairs to the plaster ceiling in the basement a 2x4 struck the brass housing of what I think is a pressure regulator and it cracked at its connection to the pipe. I've attached a picture of the item. It is attached to the heat exchanger potable water outlet. Is this a pressure regulator? Any chance I could find its replacement?

Mark Eatherton

Thats an automatic air vent...

and it must be rated for the operating pressures and temperatures it is going to see.



If it snapped off where it threads into the bushing, you wil need a screw extractor to get the threaded piece out before it can be replaced. It is brass and is very soft.



There is a chance it could be replaced with a manual vent...



Would need to see a piping diagram of where it is in relationship to pumps, water inlets, water outlets etc.



ME

Bruce_10

thanks

Thanks, now that I know what to ask for, I think I can get it replaced easily. The unit cracked at the bottom of the "bell" housing at the seam with the brass nut. But I was able to get it off the fitting without a problem. This unit sits at the exit of the solar heat exchanger, to catch air bubbles formed when the exchanger heats the water before it is pumped to the solar holding tank. Pressures are the city water system plus some from the circulation pump (placed at the entry to the solar heat exchanger) but I wouldn't expect them to exceed 50psi. I would expect that temps would be no higher than 160 F or so.

Bruce_10

Problem solved

A trip to Denver's best plumbing supply house, less than $20, some teflon tape from the tool box and problem is solved. Thanks again.