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Webster return trap

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delta T
delta T Member Posts: 884
in Strictly Steam
Found this system today, trying to identify the part above the webster return trap, documentation for webster shows a wye strainer above the trap, but not sure what this is. Anyone care to shed some light?

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  • delta T
    delta T Member Posts: 884
    edited October 2017
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    There are plenty of issues with this system, my favorite is the Hartford loop though......I've got my work cut out for me.
    EzzyT
  • Kahooli
    Kahooli Member Posts: 112
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    They must have read 6" below water line as 6" above.

    At least there's a nice flange union on that main for ya to use.
    delta T
  • G Averill_2
    G Averill_2 Member Posts: 48
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    I have a nice copy of the 1943 Warren Webster catalog I can e-mail to you. It shows quite a bit of this product and some piping schematics as well.
    Send you e-mail address to me separately if you want a copy.
    delta T
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,546
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    most definitely looks like a strainer. why not pop the top and look inside???
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,062
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    Does that have an inverted "U" bracket over the top with a thumbscrew holding a lid on. IIRC there were strainers or fuel filters even that had that configuration......probably never get it back together watertight. Usually the screen was long gone or completely plugged.
    delta T
  • delta T
    delta T Member Posts: 884
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    @EBEBRATT-Ed thanks, today was a a basic eval, didn't want to tear into anything and you can't see it in the pics, but access is up high in a small space behind the water heater. Never seen a strainer like that, thanks for confirmation.

    @GAverill
    Sent you message, much appreciated.

    @Kahooli
    I think its a bit of a stretch to assume they read the manual.....

  • Pumpguy
    Pumpguy Member Posts: 659
    edited October 2017
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    My 1922 issue of STEAM HEATING A manual of practical data published by Warren Webster & Company shows many strainers with a clamp type top, but all are the lift out basket type with horizontal inlet and outlet connections.

    Nothing there with a large bottom connection.
    Dennis Pataki. Former Service Manager and Heating Pump Product Manager for Nash Engineering Company. Phone: 1-888 853 9963
    Website: www.nashjenningspumps.com

    The first step in solving any problem is TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM.
    delta T
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,852
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    It is a strainer. Webster must have designed it so as to avoid having to install a 90° ell there.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    delta T
  • samglo
    samglo Member Posts: 19
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    That looks familiar! Mine is a Webster 0023 strainer. Surprisingly the basket was in very good condition. What did you end up doing with the system? I'm having my boiler replaced and not entirely sure what to do with the air eliminator with float, the boiler return trap, and the two check valves.



  • samglo
    samglo Member Posts: 19
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    I presume that the return trap, air elimination trap/float, and check valves are no longer needed with a new boiler with a pressurestat or vaporstat control? The check valves are on the wet return at floor level and are challenging to inspect regularly. There is a pressure equalizing pipe from the strainer trap connecting to the steam main at the boiler (not exactly a header as configured).

    Original boiler was previously replaced with at W-M EG55, but piping was not changed. It operated well overall and was quiet.

    What's the norm...remove components and replace with air vent(s) on dry return? Dry return is about 76" above floor level.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,852
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    If they're working, leave them in place. Nothing wrong with having a belt and a pair of suspenders.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • samglo
    samglo Member Posts: 19
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    Thanks Steamhead!

    I've always been taught that redundancy is good, especially if it's free (or cheaper than removing!)

    One contractor wants to replace the air eliminator/float trap with a Hoffman 75. Good or bad idea? I can't figure out why it would be good to have a non-vacuum thermostatic vent on dry return that has all thermostatic traps upstream.
  • delta T
    delta T Member Posts: 884
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    I haven't gotten to touch mine yet, the customer is out of town until next month. Your story of the strainer being in good shape gives me hope though! In all reality, the strainer is the least of my worries on that system. Very very poor boiler replacement......
  • samglo
    samglo Member Posts: 19
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    It does look like you have your work cut out for you. Hey at least all of that copper will be worth $10 at the scrap yard!
    delta T
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,852
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    samglo said:

    Thanks Steamhead!

    I've always been taught that redundancy is good, especially if it's free (or cheaper than removing!)

    One contractor wants to replace the air eliminator/float trap with a Hoffman 75. Good or bad idea? I can't figure out why it would be good to have a non-vacuum thermostatic vent on dry return that has all thermostatic traps upstream.

    Hoffman #75 is too small. Use a Gorton #2, which vents four times faster.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    delta T

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