Do headers ever loop or "U?"

SteamedInWharton

We've all seen the basic setup of a header: boiler riser, boiler riser, system riser, system riser, equalizer. Every pic I've seen here has that done in a straight line.

I'm hoping to have my near boiler piping redone soon. My boiler has side tappings (Utica) but an earlier boiler was likely "headerless" with two large three inch mains now located behind and in between the boiler risers. The hartford loop's on the right so that means the boiler risers should connect on the left side of the header. There's a wall on that side, so things can get a little tight. Can you maintain the prescribed order but do it in a U or L shaped configuration?

Fred

Many have done headers in an L shape. That isn't a problem as long as you keep the risers out of the boiler at one end of the Header, followed by the risers to the main, followed by the equalizer at the other end. I can't say I've ever seen a U shaped Header, I'm not sure why that would be necessary even.

ChrisJ

Is mine in what you're referring to as "L" shaped?

If so then yes, that works fine. A U shape may work too as long as it's pitched continuously towards the equalizer.

hvacfreak2

I was wondering about that also , pretty rad CJ.

SteamedInWharton

@ChrisJ, I'd say that looks like an "L"

KC_Jones

I think it's a matter of preference and field conditions that can dictate header design. I don't think many will argue straight is the most straight forward design. Chris and I both did an L shape and if you look it was mainly a function of existing conditions and matching up with piping. Mine was the same way. I can't think of a reason a U shaped header wouldn't work as long as the pitch is correct. I think in that situation though I would try something else first. I can't quite get my brain around having 2 parallel pipes in the header and not being able to work it out with just a single pipe.

Jamie Hall

As folks are saying -- keep the pitches good. However, if you can... just sayin', here... it might be better to go up one pipe size, at least for the U configuration, as there is bound to be some loss and turbulence in the bends.

Steamhead

Here's one with a U-shaped header:

http://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/141630/weil-mclain-sgo-8-with-carlin-201gas

SteamedInWharton

Outstanding @Steamhead

dennis53

If you have 2 or more system risers, make sure they do not have a 90 between them. The slight pressure loss and turbulence due to the 90 can upset steam flow to the last risers.