Hartford loop

hgp63

Is a Y fitting acceptable for the Hartford loop or must it be a close nipple? Seen it done both ways and most piping diagrams that I see show the close nipple only.

Ironman

The Wye is actually the better method.

Fred

Typically a Gifford loop uses a Wye but it is usually piped in above the NWL and creates a much more stable water line. I don't see why that Wye wouldn't work. Has there been any hammer or other issues in that area? Where is that water coming from?

hgp63

The boiler is cracked and needs to be replaced. I was thinking that I could leave the piping as is and not change out the wye.Thanks

Fred

@hgp63 , It looks like a good size boiler. I think I'd at least use both risers out of the boiler and a header that is at least one size larger than the risers.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@hgp63 , as @Ironman said the Y fitting is usually preferred and is shown in some boiler mfg. piping diagrams but a close nipple is fine. Y fittings may not be always readily available and you use what you got.

In fact, I have probably use a 2" nipple once or twice and never had the roof fall in on me.

hgp63

I appreciate all the feedback, what are the benefits of adding the additional riser? it does look like the wye is below the water line shouldn't it be higher.

@Fred its a Weil Mclain eg 50

Fred

Two risers slows the steam velocity down. Helps the water droplets fall out of the steam to carry much dryer steam out into the system.

New England SteamWorks

If the boiler is cracked I'd say the least of your worries is the wye fitting (although we almost always use them). Your first 3 worries, in order of importance, are:

1. Find a good contractor to pipe it correctly, with 2 risers and an oversized dropped header. You'll thank me when you get the fuel bills.
2. See #1
3. See#2

Mad Dog_2

For many years, no one had black c.i. wyes
Available in my neck of the woods. Now I found a supplier and use them whenever possible. Mad Dog