Direct Return Trap Chatter

James Bates

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James Bates

Direct Return Trap Chatters

after start up and run for a while as condensate returns. Trane two pipe system with new Hoffman 75 vent on return.
This trap was dissasembled and cleaned. The spring loaded needle valve assembly was freed up (it was stuck open). At first this trap would fill with water and the float would rise till the valve SNAPPED shut, then after couple minutes the water level would drop and the valve would SNAP open. At this point you hear like a rush of whooshing air. Now however, after doing this for a few times and the system has been running full bore the trap CHATTERS rather nastily with the valve opening and closing in stachato fashion. Could someone describe the proper typical flow of events for this device and what purpose this (loop) provides and why it may chattering/

gerry gill

by loop do you mean

the steam pipe that goes into the trap? once the float rises and closes off the air vent, it opens the steam valve which lets steam enter and the pressure of the steam drives the water back into the boiler..

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Steamhead (in transit)

Return Trap

Dear Sir: It looks like you have a Trane vapor/vacuum system.
The 2 old Trane vents that I see in your pictures should most likely be retired and Gorton #2 vents be installed in their place. Further, I would install a Vaporstat on your boiler, set it to 12oz/in2 or so, and the return trap would get a long needed rest.

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James Bates

vaporstat

What model/mfg vaporstat would be recomended for this old Trane. The entire system BTW is in relatively mint condition. The First builder/owner and the current owner followed regular blow down practice so the piping is very clean. Only fly in ointment is superheating Hot water coil after some technician had replaced the gasket on the coil. Also it has not been scrubbed & vacuumed (through the 8 top port openings)in 25 years OR cleaned (tri sodium phosphate) in 25 years. Jim/Alfred

Steamhead (in transit)

Vaporstat

Honeywell L408A1132

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James Bates

INSIDE trap pics

have been added to original post (and attached here). You can see the double spring "latching" mechanism. This "locks up" the needle when in closed position (float up, valve closed) AND locks valve open when float drops. Alfred