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My Near Boiler Piping is Crap...and I Want to Fix It!

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roc_rktec
roc_rktec Member Posts: 38
edited September 2016 in Strictly Steam
So I got a lot of good help from a number of forum members earlier this year on how to address my near boiler-piping and system venting issues. For reference see the discussion here: http://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/156981/so-my-boiler-piping-is-crap/p1

I am finally getting around to wrapping my head around my near-boiler piping. The odd integrated "header" at the main above the boiler creates a bit of complication. I would like feedback on my proposed near-boiler piping design, especially my desire to run centered over the boiler to make my connections to the two existing inlets easier.

Check out the photos of the existing system for reference, and my piping sketch. All feedback is welcome!






Comments

  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,478
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    You have the takeoff for the steam mains and the equalizer return shown BETWEEN the two boiler outlets, that WILL NOT WORK.

    The order has to be -
    - boiler outlet A
    - boiler outlet B
    - steam main connection A
    - steam main connection B
    - 90 degree elbow down into a 1-1/2" equalizer

    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
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    And two separate mains....one counter, one parallel.
  • roc_rktec
    roc_rktec Member Posts: 38
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    @BobC what are the possible down sides of connecting boiler outlet A and B together with a "T" over the center of the boiler as shown?

    Would this be mitigated if I used an elbow immediately tied to a T so that the two supplies are in order and not joined together, but the header would still be centered over the boiler?

    I have 39" of vertical between the boiler outlets and the existing main inlets, and would like to maximize the height of my header, and minimize the complication of the risers from the header to the existing main inlets.
  • roc_rktec
    roc_rktec Member Posts: 38
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    Something like this?

  • roc_rktec
    roc_rktec Member Posts: 38
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    Would something like this work also? It appears similar to my eye to more standard near boiler piping I have seen on the forum. Although the steam from the B outlet has an extra 18" or so to travel before it enters the header.


  • New England SteamWorks
    New England SteamWorks Member Posts: 1,505
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    Very, very quick:


    New England SteamWorks
    Service, Installation, & Restoration of Steam Heating Systems
    newenglandsteamworks.com
  • Danny Scully
    Danny Scully Member Posts: 1,424
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    Revision # 2 would work. I would consider a drip for the counterflow portion though. Also, I believe the riser tappings on that boiler are 2-1/2. You should pipe the risers in 2-1/2.
  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,478
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    i agree with @Danny Scully Rev 2 will work and with that style of boiler you should not reduce the boiler outlets - use the full 2-1/2".

    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,834
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    Revision #2 is fine. Most of the Utica steamers I see do have 2" steam tappings though- it's the Dunkirks that are 2-1/2". Whichever size you have, do not reduce it.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • roc_rktec
    roc_rktec Member Posts: 38
    edited September 2016
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    @Danny Scully I am pretty certain the tapping are 2". From what I understand these side tapped Utica Boilers are far from an ideal or top quality unit.

    Thanks very much to @Steamhead @BobC and @Danny Scully for your confirmation.

    Does anyone have recommendations for a new unit when the time comes to replace my boiler? I insist on top quality for everything I do to this little house.
  • Danny Scully
    Danny Scully Member Posts: 1,424
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    My apologies for any confusion @roc_rktec, when I see side outlet risers I always think rebranded Dunkirk. The 2" risers are fine then. In regards to a new boiler, anyone without side outlet riser tapping :lol:
  • roc_rktec
    roc_rktec Member Posts: 38
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    RI_SteamWorks said:

    Very, very quick:


    @RI_SteamWorks I have been looking around some of your threads. Your work is impressive...and coming from an architect's perspective I love that you use 3D modeling to develop solutions for your boiler piping. I sure wish you were located somewhere near Rochester, NY!

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