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Standpipe on the steam boiler return piping?

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Bill_69
Bill_69 Member Posts: 22
in Strictly Steam

I can't say I've seen in this in the past, and I certainly can't explain it, but recently I went to a call where the complaint was water "erupting" out of a 1.5" pipe near the boiler. When I arrived, the boiler was already cold and turned off from the day before. The standpipe is installed on the wet return line near the boiler, and is piped up about 5-6' above the return line. Next to this pipe is a pipe that is tapped off the steam header, and directly piped into the return as well (no trap, valve, vent etc. in this line) The return line is then piped behind the boiler, and tees in at the Hartford Loop/equalizer. I feel like the piping is correct as far as dimensions/instructions go.

We started the system, and all was good until the steam header started getting hot. Then you could hear gurgling and some slight banging until that pipe started erupting. It took 10-15 minutes? At this same time, the water line was noted to be lower than normal, but still in the glass. (the operating water level is found to be lower than the tag for "normal" water level as well) and of course the boiler shuts off to take on more water.

Anyway, we did some routine things as it was our first time there. Cleaned the pig tails for both controls, flushed out the bottom of the boiler, and cleaned the LWCO/feeder probe. We let the boiler run, and it never erupted again once hot. The numerous air vents were all working. The water level was also found to be staying a little higher now once warmed up, but still below the normal line. I think this is because the Hartford Loop is piped in a little lower than recommended?

I realize this got long winded now- what is the reason for this standpipe, and what is the reason for the steam line piped down into the return line from the steam header? Also, if the Hartford Loop is piped a little short, can the steam equalizer allow steam down into the return, and up the standpipe?

Maybe if I understand this, I can figure what caused this all of a sudden. I'm told this is a 3rd year install, and this problem is new. I'm not sure I believe it's never happened before, but what do I know.

Thanks.

Comments

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,517

    Pictures ....

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
    mattmia2ChrisJ
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,506

    There is a pipe on the wet return 6' up open ?

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,626

    I think this is because the Hartford Loop is piped in a little lower than recommended?

    Unlikely. I'd also love to see pictures of this pipe

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • Bill_69
    Bill_69 Member Posts: 22

    Yes sir. When the customer first explained it to me, I thought he was describing the vent on a condensate pump, but this job is gravity return.

    And, for the record I considered installing a pipe cap on this line!

  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,506

    That is dangerous .. Did someone cut out a old return ?

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Bill_69
    Bill_69 Member Posts: 22

    Big Ed, I have no idea. Our first time there. I am trying to make arrangements to get back there and take some pictures. Is capping this off a good idea? Or adding a vacuum breaker there?

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 27,217

    Very odd. How high is the top of that geyser above the water line? And what pressure is the boiler showing when it erupts? The line from the header down to the return is at least sort of normal…

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,410

    is this 2 pipe?

  • Bill_69
    Bill_69 Member Posts: 22

    All,

    I'm going back tomorrow for pictures, and then I will post same. And it is a 2-pipe system.

    I appreciate the help so far.

  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,506

    Cap it off

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

    mattmia2
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,410
    edited February 26

    i bet it is spewing forth because you have a failed trap or a vaporstat that is letting the pressure get too high. Not sure why it exists in the first place though. Maybe it once connected to some sort of vapor specialty. Are there other signs it is a vapor system or is it just a conventional 2 pipe system?

  • Bill_69
    Bill_69 Member Posts: 22

    mattmia2, Its just a standard 2-pipe system. As far as the controller shutting it off or not- I am not sure. It is set to 8 oz main scale and the boiler gauge is in psi. So not sure which is right yet. But, the standpipe hasn't erupted in 3 days per the staff there, and the building is heating good (for now)

  • TMS1980
    TMS1980 Member Posts: 10

    Maybe a false waterline?

  • neilc
    neilc Member Posts: 3,160

    "Cleaned the #pigtails"

    were they bad? and now your controls are controlling? if you're looking for Oz's and they were at all pluggy, , , , ,

    no more eruptions? right?

    known to beat dead horses
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 20,065

    I agree someone's version of a false waterline

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,410
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1889850#Comment_1889850

    oh, to break the syphon so it doesn't syphon the return back in to the boiler?

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