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Identifying a steam system component

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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?)

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  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    That does appear to be a motor mount.
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,061
    edited August 2015
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    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
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    Off the bottom of a main?
  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    edited August 2015
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    My first impression was steam-turbine or zone valve.
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
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    WAG........... Designed for a zone valve. Wound up as just a section of pipe, never used as intended.