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condensate is not going back into the boiler until the 2lbs pressure drops to a 1lbs

Dan_43
Dan_43 Member Posts: 57
in Strictly Steam

I just installed a new Burnham SteamMax STMX250N. single pipe system.

The equalizer called for 2” pipe which I plumbed. My return is 1-1/4” and after the Hartford loop ties into the equalizer with a 2” street elbow. Then pipe continues on its way back into the boiler as 2”. The boiler fires up and by the time the boiler reaches 2lbs my low water cutoff starts to blink red and shuts down the system until enough condensate returns to the boiler and the system fires back up. After examining the documentation, they call for 1-1/2” pipe after the return enters the equalizer. I have 2” could this be the cause of my water not making it back into the boiler?

Dan

IMG_3816.JPG

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,481

    That shouldn't be an issue.

    Is this a one-pipe or two-pipe system? Are there two pipes connecting to each radiator, or just one?

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 6,947
    edited November 2024

    Based on that nasty looking gauge glass water, I'd say you might be surging. Was this boiler skimmed ever?

    Why is your boiler reaching 2 psi?

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

    delcrossv
  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 1,509
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1818986#Comment_1818986

    This. Skim, and skim again.

    And turn your pressuretrol down.

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • Dan_43
    Dan_43 Member Posts: 57

    It's a single pipe system. I have skimmed but, I will keep skimming! Thats a lot easier than re-piping the return.

    I have dropped it to a 1-1/2 lbs. The presuretroler is not behaving. It will be replaced. not sure why the boiler MFG put such a large presuretroler on these boilers when they want to be in the 1 pound range…

    Dan

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,777

    Like the others said skim,skim,skim, use TSP or washing soda. Never seen the return to the Hartford on a 45 like that but I guess it will work.

  • Lyle {pheloa} Carter
    Lyle {pheloa} Carter Member Posts: 66

    In the photo it appears that the return tie-in to the heartford loop is at the same level as the waterline of the boiler. If that's the case , check your installation instructions as to where the tie in should be in relation to the water line. If the tie-in is above the water line, steam pressure could be keeping the steam condensate from returning.

    delcrossvethicalpaul
  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 1,509

    When the boiler went in, did someone clean out the wet return? Looks old and may be full of crud.

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 6,947
    edited November 2024
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1819040#Comment_1819040

    The pressuretrol is a very blunt instrument, but in a new boiler install you should hardly need it. How does the Net Steam Sq Ft rating of this boiler compare to your total radiation EDR?

    Or to ask another way, how long of a firing did it take your boiler to get to 2 PSI? It shouldn't get there until every single radiator is fully steam hot all the way across, if then.

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

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