Hartford Loop question

Aaron_2

Can a hartford loop be a problem for a counter flow steam system? My company has replaced two boilers with counter flow systems, and the installers installed a hartford loop on both of them, of course I didn't get to see the jobs first to specify not installing hartford loops. Will this effect the returning condensate from getting back to the boiler fast enough? Thoughts anyone? Thanks.

Dale

Depends how it's piped

If it's piped like a typical parallel flow system then it will return condensate to the header and cause problems. If however the steam supply goes correctly into the top of the main past the main return elbo and whatever the hartford loop looks like is down from the main return elbo below the water line then it's just a waste of pipe that holds condensate. It won't cause problems. Look at LAOSH pg 83 and picture a hartford loop bolow the waterline.

Al Letellier

harford loop/counterflow

We NEVER install a hartford loop on a counterflow system. You don't need one. we've also never had a problem piping them without it. If the supply loops up and over and drops into the main, a drip leg piped to the boiler return is all you need. There are no wet returns to protect, and that's what a Hartford loop does.

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