Old-Style Webster Vapor Main Return Trap Questions..

Steamhead

is "loop seals" at the ends of the steam mains and dry returns where they tie together. The water line must be above these loop seals or steam will pass thru them from the steam main into the dry return. If this happens all circulation stops.

If you have a headroom issue, why not use a drop header? This way the boiler can be higher, you still have your 24-inches from the top of the sight glass to the top of the risers, and the header itself can be anywhere you want as long as it's above the waterline. And assuming the boiler needs two or more risers to the header, a drop header is much easier to put together.

Go here for some drop header pics:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/library.cfm#Steam Piping

If this takes you to the top of the Library page, click on the Steam Piping link which will bring up a list of Drop Header pics.

Jerry Komaromi

Old-Style Webster Vapor Main Trap Issue...

We are tasked with replacing a steam boiler with a Webster Return Trap setup, as illustrated in "The Art of Steam Heating" by DH Chap 15, page 239. This boiler failed due to a leak in an underfloor return, and the fresh water perforated the section. Other than that, the system is working normally, we have changed 99% of the 1/2" traps. My question is, the water line marked on the illustration, would going a bit lower on the water line cause 'bad' things to happen? We have a head room / header issue with the new boiler, we have to go with a low profile WeilMclain EGH115, and the new waterline is lower than the old. The same profile boiler (original is 1977 vintage), is not available.

Thanks for any input..
Jerry Komaromi
EA Bibey Co.
Pittsburgh PA