Webster Type R (p190 TLASH) Boiler Return Trap Missing

wethead1920

I have a client that I am replacing the boiler for that has an old Webster Type R system. I am doing an oil to gas replacement and want to get the system in shape. I have asked the client if they have any problems with noise, uneven heating, water/steam leaks etc... and the client says everything works. The funny thing is that it shouldn't be working because a major component in the system is missing. The Boiler Return Trap. The vent trap is still there and there is brown mud all over it like it spews water every time the system runs. I am assuming that is from the missing trap. I remember about 20 years ago using a spirax sarco pressure powered pump to replace a boiler return trap in one of these systems. Do you know if that is what I must use if I want to restore this system or how I would find the original parts.

Steamhead

What I'd do

is replace the Pressuretrol with a Vaporstat that cannot be set higher than 1 PSI. Then set it so the boiler's pressure cannot rise high enough to overcome the "B" dimension.



Also, if the little vacuum check is still in the top of the vent trap, remove it. I've seen cases where the vacuum will hold water up in the system, causing the boiler water feeder to come on, and the system overfills when the water finally comes back.



Note that not all of these Webster systems had Return Traps. I've seen a bunch that never did- these are called "Modulation" systems.