Wet return loop needed before entering the Equalizer??

bloombrews

I have a customer with a 2-pipe steam system.  The returns slope back and combine above the boiler, and then drop down from the ceiling into a close nipple, 2 inches below the Boiler NWL, and then into the Equalizer loop.

There is no loop water seal below the tee inlet on the Equalizer.  I can not find any information on how much of a water seal is needed in this "loop"-trap before it enters the Equalizer, or if it must be installed at all.  I do see that if the water level ever gets lower then the tee on the Equalizer, steam from the Boiler can then travel up the Return lines without this water seal.

There are also uninsulated steam lines leaving the boiler, which is causing water hammer on start-up of the cold system.  No end of run main vents, and a bullheaded tee on the header, are a few more problems I see.  But for now, all I want to know is what, if any, specification should there be for a loop wet water seal, before the return ties into the Equalizer with a short nipple?

Charlie from wmass

really?

do you not see the issue with the dry returns connecting above the waterline?

as for a water seal, it needs to hold back the boiler pressure from pushing steam under normal pressure back up the return pipe.