Prohibited Tee Locations

Tom_35

The Arkansas Mechanical Code is based on the 2003 International Mechanical Code. In Section 1206.1.1, it says "Fluid in the supply side of a hydronic system shall not enter a tee fitting through the branch opening."

We have always piped our systems in line with RPA guidelines, with Figure 4-18a as shown on page 120 of the RPA book.

The local mechanical inspector has stated that he will let us continue to pipe this way as long as the side port of the tee is smaller than the 2 ends. We faxed him a copy of the piping diagram from the RPA book in order to get this approved.

Do the other codes read the same as the International, and have others run into this with code enforcement officials before?

Weezbo

so this means you tie the injection loops,

in at the Heel of a T? well..............if thats the way you been doing it and your happy with the piping arrangements and have had no difficulties with it go with it:) i cant feel you will rot in hell for eternity if you dont however if the AHJ say thats the way he wants it , make it happen

Brad White_5

I have to believe that this

paragraph has to do with avoiding "bullhead tees". Just my read on it. It would seem that if the boiler supply was entering the tee branch that it is presumed that the flow would split L-R. No mention of flow already being established in the pipe being entered.

Seems like too much meddling in means and methods for this Libertarian...

Unknown

Makes Pri/Sec piping against code

Every secondary return connection to the primary loop will violate this code.

Monoflow systems violate this rule, also.

Reverse return and direct return systems are now a problem...

So much for semantics.

Noel

Dave Bush

I's in the 2000 IMC, also, as:

"1206.1.1 Prohibited tee applications.
Fluid in the supply side of a hydronic system shall not enter a tee fitting through the branch opening."

What's even funnier, if this were to be enforced, every single grocery store refrigeration lineup using brine technology would have to be piped in a fashion that would cause the cases to essentially not work half the day!

"1201.1 Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the construction, installation, alteration and repair of hydronic piping systems. This chapter shall apply to hydronic piping systems that are part of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Such piping systems shall include steam, hot water, chilled water, steam condensate and ground source heat pump loop systems. Potable cold and hot water distribution systems shall be installed in accordance with the International Plumbing Code."

Fortunately, I have never heard of this being enforced...

Carl PE

Uh Huh

also, how do you pipe 2 pumps in parallel into a common header w/o a Bull-head Tee?

exactly the opposite of what they probably intended. good idea, bad explanation.

you might also enjoy section 1206.4:

"Openings for pipe penetrations in walls, floors, or ceilings shall be larger than the penetrating pipe."

sure glad they cleared that up for us..

doug_16

Is there really some

logic in this and bull necked T's?. Like does water get confused on whether to make a left or right turn when the primary loop has 2 parallel circs and both are operating? In this case one should use a T and an L so the circs could be next to each other? Is there more wear in the T if bull necked and water travels out the R and L and in the branch leg?
Do nuke plants have bull necked T's??
So many questions.....

don_42

Almost

as bad as making one use dielectic fitting on a closed system.I guess lack of knowledge can get the best of all of
us.

Maybe some good reading material from the libary would be inorder for this inspector.I pass some info from here to one
of my new inspector that got on my case about the dielectric
issue.Couple days later he stop by the shop and hands me a
final on my job after failing it.

You dont know what you dont know.

bob_25

What If

you used a cross and capped one port hmmmmmmm

Brad White_5

That makes you

the Alan Dershowitz of Hydronics.
Go to the head of the class!