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Warren Webster "Boiler Return Trap" - Pictures - Prob. F&T trap - Anyone familiar?

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breeve
breeve Member Posts: 8
in Strictly Steam
I am not completely persuaded that an apparatus I can describe only as a Warren Webster "Boiler Return Trap" (has a name plate -- but quite unreadable) that is installed in a leg off the steam header with an outlet that goes down to the "wet pipe" / condensate collecting return is working correctly. It makes some interesting noises when the boiler is operating (sounding sorta like a bucket trap - but I am pretty sure it isn't a bucket trap). it is a trap and I am thinking that its purpose is to drain back to the boiler anything that isn't dry that get to the steam header while keeping (2 psi or so) pressure in the steam header. Pictures are attached. Does anyone happen to recognize it? User seviceable parts within? I'm pretty sure it hasn't been touched since 1928 -- can / should I re-build it? (And thereby get cleaner/drier steam...)?

(The system in question is a "two pipe" steam system installed in a house in Arlington MA in 1928, with a replacement HB Smith gas steam boiler from about 1977. It does make heat and is in use (about 300,000 btu).





New England SteamWorks

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  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,856
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    That is NOT an F&T trap. It is a Boiler Return Trap/Alternating Receiver. It's basically a steam pressure-powered pump that pumps water back to the boiler if the boiler pressure is too high for the condensate to return by gravity.

    See chapter 15 of "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" for details.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,334
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    And furthermore -- the pressure in the system needs to be controlled lower. I seem to recall less than one psi -- though the alternating receiver will bail you out if it gets too high. Sort of.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • breeve
    breeve Member Posts: 8
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    Thank you. Thank you. I now understand that there is a "vent" valve and a steam valve which, when opened, pushes the condensate back into the boiler. The only remaining question is whether I can get parts. The system pressure was set by others. I can turn it down if necessary, or change out the pressure control. I suspect gauge not right anyway. Looking for good gauge. (System does go to vacuum after firing - I'm trying to understand that also...)

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