Do I need a boiler feed pump ?

Robert O'Connor_11

Ok I am bidding a replacement steamer. Connected load is 1272 square feet . It is a "parallell flow/upfeed system. wet gravity return.

The existing boiler is a big old high water content Smith Mills. I am thinking the new boiler will be a Weil 480. Quite a few radiators in halls are shut off and the Weil rating is about 1238.

However according to page 75 of the bible "Lost Art" a Peerless SCT 7 at1446 square feet is the correct answer.

The boiler room is at one end of a rectangular shaped building. I am afraid the condensate will take to long to come back. The new water line either way will be lower without exposing wet returns.

So I guess it's two questions

1) Which would you pick? I' m leaning toward the Peerless but my preferred wholesaler doesn't carry them.

2) How can I time the steam to condensate return time of the existing boiler and decide what I need : a feed pump or condensate reciever or nothing.

All the best

Robert

ME

Steamhead (in transit)

I'd go with the Peerless

and new wet returns that will make sure the condensate returns as it should. No pump. Be sure to vent the heck out of the steam mains, if you don't you'll need more pressure to fill the system, which will require more steam to be generated, and will consume more water.

Robert O'Connor_11

Thanks steamhead

I did measure for the vents and will get them in!!

appreciate your input!

All the best

Robert

ME