Posted by Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network on July 27, 2001 at 08:42:38:
In Reply to: Piping the Equalizer posted by Joe V on July 27, 2001 at 03:44:55:
It is always best to follow the factory recommendations, even to the point of changing the structure around the boiler and moving it to comply.
However, if it is not your choice to follow their directions, other installations have been successful by following the maxim of keeping the manifold 'off the boiler.' The risers come up from the boiler drum, take a 90 bend to the manifold which is not over the boiler. The manifold continues toward the Hartford Loop, the main rises between the boiler end and the equalizer. In this manner wet steam is thrown to the equalizer to return to the boiler before it may rise up the main preventing main and other pipe banging. An example is at
http://www.hydronic.net/hydronic/steam/yeshart.html
Otherwise, I have seen small systems piped like Santa's reindeer work quietly, both in copper and steel pipe. I prefer threaded pipe because the threads permit pipe movement when piped in swing joints. Soldered copper joints are under stress due to the constant expansion and contraction of the runs and corrosion and pitting occurs at the junction of water and air from the slightly acidic condensate and steam velocity.