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Identifying a steam system component

christine.batchelor
christine.batchelor Member Posts: 1
in Strictly Steam
This one has us baffled! It is a component in a low pressure steam system in Philadelphia, about 16" diameter, and is leaking...not sure what it is or what is does (or did) and wondering if you may be able to identify?

The first picture is a side view and the second is a bottom view (looks like there used to be an actuator?)

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,317
    Looks like an expansion joint, which lets the pipe move as it expands so as not to put any strain on the joints.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    I would sacrifice a small chicken to the steam gods and take my chances with opening that hatch.
    RobG
  • gerry gill
    gerry gill Member Posts: 3,078
    Gotta be some sort of name on it, no?
    gwgillplumbingandheating.com
    Serving Cleveland's eastern suburbs from Cleveland Heights down to Cuyahoga Falls.

  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    That does appear to be a motor mount.
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,254
    edited August 2015
    How about a bolted flange with a plug in it, which would turn the whole fitting into a tee. The flats could be for a zone control for the tap of the tee??? (Go ahead open it, small chickens are cheap ;) )
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    Off the bottom of a main?
  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    edited August 2015
    My first impression was steam-turbine or zone valve.
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    WAG........... Designed for a zone valve. Wound up as just a section of pipe, never used as intended.

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