Hutchison System

Dan Foley

I have worked on dozens of Hutchison Vapor Systems over the years. They were prevalent here in the DC metro area.

This is the first one I have seen with the receiver still in place. It is piped wrong (copper). It is also too low. It should be at the water line according to old drawings.

I do not know the inner workings of this receiver but I imagine it operates more like a differential loop than an alternating receiver. Maybe Frank can dig into his library for more info?

This one is located in downtown Herndon, VA. It is not our job. I am helping a contractor friend who is replacing the boiler.

- DF

Dan Foley

Here is the old stub where the dry return vented into the chimney.

Mike_Sheppard

That’s awesome.

I don’t think I’ve ever worked on any steam in the Herndon area.

Mike_Sheppard

https://heatinghelp.com/assets/documents/Hutchinson-System.pdf

STEVEusaPA

Nice find...where do you source the black copper...lol?
Not a bad paint job on copper.

Steamhead

According to Mike's link, that receiver was part of the damper-regulating mechanism.

Jamie Hall

Does look like it -- a number of vapour systems (Hoffman Equipped did, for instance) either had integral damper controls, or could add them. Early modulating boilers...

Mike_Sheppard

Sounds like it’s time to junk it!

And by junk it I mean collect it