F&T Steam Traps on One Pipe System???

msmor23

Any ideas on why my one pipe steam system would have these f&t steam straps? I'm assuming this is wrong, as nothing I've read indicates you put these on one pipe systems (and yes, I'm positive I have a one pipe stream system). Steam traps are 37 year old (stamped 10/13/1984). Two years ago I removed these vacuum breakers (pics attached) that were installed at end of mains (and replaced with Big Mouths). Vacuum breakers were installed ahead of & above the steam traps. Big Mouths installed where vacuum breakers were previously located.

Assuming these steam traps were incorrectly installed- should I remove? Or just leave on? I get occasional hammer, although still trying to find exact cause (some from incomplete insulation that I'm working to restore).

Watson McDaniel float & thermostatic steam traps (manufactured 1984).

This is my fourth winter in the house so trying to get this system running as best I can. This forum has been quite helpful so going back to the well. Thanks for looking.

Jamie Hall

Normally it's true -- you wouldn't need them. However, in that first picture I note that the return line to the boiler appears to be relatively high (is it the same trap in both pictures? In which case the return line was clearly lowered and replaced with copper at some point -- no problem with that). If the return lines were high, but joined somewhere before dropping below the boiler water line, the F&Ts may have been installed to prevent steam from getting into them -- which you don't want. And in which case, you may still need them. It's a matter of where is the boiler water line in relation to the return lines.

Steamhead

Does the condensate return to the boiler by gravity, or is it pumped into the boiler?

msmor23

Steamhead- thanks. So here we go...There is a condensate return system connected. I have no idea if it even works. Is there a good way to test it? It seems pretty old. Going to go back and dust it off to see if I can determine manufacture date. Part of the unit does have "rebuilt seal" back in 2000.

Steamhead

msmor23 said:

Steamhead- thanks. So here we go...There is a condensate return system connected. I have no idea if it even works. Is there a good way to test it? It seems pretty old. Going to go back and dust it off to see if I can determine manufacture date. Part of the unit does have "rebuilt seal" back in 2000.

Post some pics.

msmor23

Steamhead- here are some picture of condensate pump

msmor23

msmor23

And Jamie- here are some more pics of the return line. The first round of pics, as well as these, are all from the same main/steam trap/return. As always- thank you

msmor23

Jamie- just for reference- where that return transitions to horizontal- it's about 13 in off basement floor

EBEBRATT-Ed

@msmor23

You need F & T traps because you have a condensate pump The big mouths or air vents should be installed on the steam trap outlet tapping or downstream of the steam trap if the traps discharge to a wet return that will not drain. If the traps discharge to the condensate pump with no water traps in the line then you don't need vents the condensate pump vent is the only vent you need

We need more pictures of the entire system to evaluate

Possibly the condensate pump can be eliminated