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How Vacuum Can Form in a Steam System

HeatingHelp
HeatingHelp Administrator Posts: 687
edited July 2024 in THE MAIN WALL
imageHow Vacuum Can Form in a Steam System

This is how vacuum can form in a steam heating system and how to fix it.

Read the full story here

Comments

  • CastIronGuy
    CastIronGuy Member Posts: 4

    I hope that pic wasn't the new Weil-McLain LGB boiler he installed - look like that one in the picture needs a rest & some love!

  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,397

    If I understand correctly these are cases of pressure difference overwhelming control valves?

    I've seen similar in other situations as well.Discrete (on/off) control like zone valve is needed.

    I've seen advertisements for "snap action" float controls. Will they work in these cases?

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,746

    I had that exact same issue on a new boiler install. I fixed it a little different. I ran the feed from the boiler feed pump through a check valve and then up in the air above the water level in the boiler and the feed tank and put a vacuum breaker at the high point before dropping down into the boiler. Worked fine

  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,397
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1805460#Comment_1805460

    Elevated condensate tank with level control sounds fool proof. In some cases you can pressurize the tank with steam instead of atmosphere.

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,592

    Till this day, it still amazes me that a man who never turned wrenches for a living, nor was he an engineer, could read, decipher, figure out and then regurgitate it in plain english mpto the Installers…I haven't seen a teacher that has done this is any other industry save, Olympian Mark Spitz' (7 Golds in 1972 Olympics) coach, who did not know how to swim himself!! Great explanation Dan..Mad Dog 🐕

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,397

    I'm more amazed by the opposite of what Mad is. How so many intelligent mechanics, engineers, and non-specialists can overlook the obvious for years.

    CLamb

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