steam question

molly_2

Here's a synopsis of the system. It's a residential low pressure steam system. It's a single pipe system with three branches off the header. Each branch has a motorized zone valve. Up stream from these zone valves are 21/2" * 1" tees pointing straight down. From each tee there is a big tank piped up in between the tee and the piping returning to the boiler. One on each branch. They are tapped out 1" on the top and come out 1" on the bottom. What are these things? I understand that a path for condensate to return to the boiler in the event that the zone valve closes is necessary. But why this tank? Is it some sort of steam trap and why would it be necessary?

c-rex

never heard of such

a thing, but then, there's a lot of that. How does it heat?

Steamhead

Molly, can you

post a picture of this? I'm drawing a blank too. Unless they are False Water Lines..........

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molly_2

the system currently bangs like hell when the 2nd floor zone in particular calls. this is as old railroading town so it may explain some of the work. we're in the process of ripping out thie old boiler and these tanks are most likely going too. that is unless we can find a reason for them. if they are necessary, we'll need to find a replacement.

molly_2

i don't have a photo but it says combustion engineering incorporated chattanooga tenn on the tanks. the smaller one of the 3 says 5gal on it. they are simple galvinized cylindrical tanks tapped in and out on the top to bottom 1" off of each branch of the header. I looked in some steam books and they kind of look like some sort of bucket trap but these are made of galvinized metal. could be something the old railroad engineers came up with that use to board at this inn's tank basement years and years ago.

Mad Dog

Molly...Beg Borrow or steal a digital camera...................

it will be the only way that we can really help you. Mad Dog

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pfitter_18

My guess

Is its just a big old bucket trap. There wern't any other tappings on it were there? A picture will solve this quickly.

p

Steamhead

And

don't tear ANYTHING out until we know what it is and what it does. If you do, you may create more problems for yourself.

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