Returns for two boilers in a one pipe steam system

greg_7

When installing two steam boilers on a one pipe systems, can the same equalizer be used? In this situation, the risers must be between the two units.

Therefore, can a larger equalizer piped between the units and connected to both hartford loops be used or is it better to pipe separately each equalizer and loop? One 2" header connects the units and the dry return feeds the condensate between the units. Using one 2" equalizer instead of two 1-1/4" drops would simplify piping and cut effort and costs.

One other concern, is that the equlizer must be piped beween one unit and the risers in order to not have to completely rework the existing piping and walls in the basement. Thus, even though the steam and condensate will flow in the same direction, the steam and water from one unit will hit the equalizer drop before the risers. Should this be a concern?

Mad Dog

Are these boilers going to be staged?

I would always pipe them as 2 separate entities, my friend. Either should be able to operate independent of the other., without relying on the others piping. Forget trying to reuse what already there - this will usually get you in trouble. In many cases, we do wind up repiping the boiler room - its failsafe! When you look to cut corners on steam installations, i.e., smaller pipe et al - you will likely get burned. Just a mad dog's thoughts ...

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greg_7

clarification

If the units are otherwise piped separately, is there any problem with using the same equalizer pipe teeing it to each boilers Hartford loop?

Steamhead

Best Way

is to install a separate header, equalizer and Hartford Loop for each boiler. Route the steam coming off each boiler header into a second header and connect your steam mains to this second header also.

The reason for this is if there's a tiny difference in pressure between the two boilers, the water lines will be different. Using separate headers, equalizers and Hartford Loops insures that each boiler's pressure is the same at the steam outlet and the return inlet.

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