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Eccentric Reducer Coupling on two pipe steam condensate returns?

naildriver61
naildriver61 Member Posts: 2
edited January 10 in Strictly Steam
IMG_3341.JPEG

I was wondering if these reducers on condensate return lines should be eccentric reducer couplings instead of regular reducer couplings. System is running ok but it seems like these condensate returns on this two pipe steam system would be holding water. Not a lot of water as the returns seem to be pitched well but some.

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,490

    If the condensate is flowing through the strainer and then through the reducer, it's fine the way it is.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Mad Dog_2Intplm.mattmia2
  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 1,909

    Hello naildriver61,

    Looks like it has been that way for quite some time, any issues ? I suppose muck could accumulate at the transition from the larger pipe to the smaller one. Did they reduce it just to accommodate the strainer ? Are both those pipes with strainers returns ? When was the last time they were cleaned out ?

    image.png

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
    Mad Dog_2
  • naildriver61
    naildriver61 Member Posts: 2

    They both have full flow 250's. I clean them out each year and were not that debris laden. I was just wondering about the fittings as the steam runs all have eccentric reducers.

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Member Posts: 1,909

    Well with steam you don't want to have (or minimize) puddled condensate in pipes that carry steam, so eccentrics help solve that issue if installed correctly. If the pipes pictures are always full of water the big issue is flow restriction by being reduced in size, may not be an issue in your case.

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 11,145

    There shouldn't be steam in returns to contact the pooling water and collapse and cause hammer. Standing water in returns is fine as long as it isn't blocking someplace that air needs to move.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,847

    I have had people tell me that any standing water in a supply or return will cause leaks. Not something that I totally believe.

    In the above case traps and strainers are always smaller than the return lines they are connected to. If you line size traps they will always be oversized. probably the reason for the reduction. Eccentrics would be better, but they cost $$$ and not always readily available now.

    Reducing 90 looking down with a close nip and a regular 90 will work as well if the return on the outlet is lowered.

    ethicalpaul

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