steam trap at the end of the main/ start of the return?

thfurnitureguy_2

I was reading Dan's "Steam problems?" He mentioned a steam trap at the end of the main to keep the steam from running back down the return, and equalizing the pressure between the main and the return. I have a 1 pipe system and people are telling me I dont need a steam trap. What keeps the steam out of the return?

Steamhead

The return line

drops below the boiler water level at some point. This seals the return with standing water, so steam cannot move into the return past the air trapped therein.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

thfurnitureguy_2

Ah, The water at the bottom of the return has to rise through the strainer before it dumps into the tank for the condensate pump. I guess this is enough to hold back the steam. Is a condensate pump needed if the boiler sets low enough?

RonWHC

Do you have

a condensate pump?

gerry gill

is this a house?

or a big commercial bldg? why do you have a condensate pump is what i'm going for here.

thfurnitureguy_2

yes. I have a condensation pump Hoffman Watchman? It is a tank and pump combo unit back by the boiler. This is in a mid size commercial building (7 apts and 9000 sq ft of retail space. I don't know why I have one. The boiler sits in a pit well below the return. we payed $1000 for a new pump that only lasted 2years by the date writen on it. I would like not to have it if it is not needed.

gerry gill

did the original boiler have one?

or was trap maintenance and return line maintenance neglected?

RonWHC

Interesting.

If the water line of the boiler is at least 28" lower than the end of the lowest steam main, and there are no extenuating circumstances, no.

Has the boiler been replaced recently? Have any buried returns leaked & been re-run above the floor? Do you see steam coming out of the tank overflow? Gee, starting to sound like Sherlock.

RonWHC

Interesting.

If the water line of the boiler is at least 28" lower than the end of the lowest steam main, and there are no extenuating circumstances, no.

Has the boiler been replaced recently? Have any buried returns leaked & been re-run above the floor? Do you see steam coming out of the tank overflow? Gee, starting to sound like Sherlock.

thfurnitureguy_2

3 year old boiler, Burnham V905A. The condensate pump looks older. The return was replaced before we bought the building in july of last year. It was leaking and placed in the dirt. the new return is much higher up near the celing. It only drops a few inches after the main. There is no Steam Trap However it is a one pipe system. Any ideas why I get no Pressure on the guage. It tests good. Also why would there be a vacume side on this guage? Thanks for the input

[Deleted User]

Looks like it

is time to select the "Find A Contractor" section or send some pics.

Steamhead

I doubt you need the pump

but to be sure, have a good steam man look the job over. Try the Find a Professional page of this site.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"