My Near Boiler Piping is Crap...and I Want to Fix It!

roc_rktec

So I got a lot of good help from a number of forum members earlier this year on how to address my near boiler-piping and system venting issues. For reference see the discussion here: http://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/156981/so-my-boiler-piping-is-crap/p1

I am finally getting around to wrapping my head around my near-boiler piping. The odd integrated "header" at the main above the boiler creates a bit of complication. I would like feedback on my proposed near-boiler piping design, especially my desire to run centered over the boiler to make my connections to the two existing inlets easier.

Check out the photos of the existing system for reference, and my piping sketch. All feedback is welcome!

BobC

You have the takeoff for the steam mains and the equalizer return shown BETWEEN the two boiler outlets, that WILL NOT WORK.

The order has to be -
- boiler outlet A
- boiler outlet B
- steam main connection A
- steam main connection B
- 90 degree elbow down into a 1-1/2" equalizer

Bob

Paul48

And two separate mains....one counter, one parallel.

roc_rktec

@BobC what are the possible down sides of connecting boiler outlet A and B together with a "T" over the center of the boiler as shown?

Would this be mitigated if I used an elbow immediately tied to a T so that the two supplies are in order and not joined together, but the header would still be centered over the boiler?

I have 39" of vertical between the boiler outlets and the existing main inlets, and would like to maximize the height of my header, and minimize the complication of the risers from the header to the existing main inlets.

roc_rktec

Something like this?

roc_rktec

Would something like this work also? It appears similar to my eye to more standard near boiler piping I have seen on the forum. Although the steam from the B outlet has an extra 18" or so to travel before it enters the header.

New England SteamWorks

Very, very quick:

Danny Scully

Revision # 2 would work. I would consider a drip for the counterflow portion though. Also, I believe the riser tappings on that boiler are 2-1/2. You should pipe the risers in 2-1/2.

BobC

i agree with @Danny Scully Rev 2 will work and with that style of boiler you should not reduce the boiler outlets - use the full 2-1/2".

Bob

Steamhead

Revision #2 is fine. Most of the Utica steamers I see do have 2" steam tappings though- it's the Dunkirks that are 2-1/2". Whichever size you have, do not reduce it.

roc_rktec

@Danny Scully I am pretty certain the tapping are 2". From what I understand these side tapped Utica Boilers are far from an ideal or top quality unit.

Thanks very much to @Steamhead @BobC and @Danny Scully for your confirmation.

Does anyone have recommendations for a new unit when the time comes to replace my boiler? I insist on top quality for everything I do to this little house.

Danny Scully

My apologies for any confusion @roc_rktec, when I see side outlet risers I always think rebranded Dunkirk. The 2" risers are fine then. In regards to a new boiler, anyone without side outlet riser tapping

roc_rktec

RI_SteamWorks said:

Very, very quick:

@RI_SteamWorks I have been looking around some of your threads. Your work is impressive...and coming from an architect's perspective I love that you use 3D modeling to develop solutions for your boiler piping. I sure wish you were located somewhere near Rochester, NY!