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The Daily Insight

Who invented the Hartford loop

Author

Sophia Dalton

Updated on April 03, 2026

The loop was invented by the The Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance and Inspection Company (Where I work – we’re 150 years old!).

What is a Hartford loop?

Simply speaking, a Hartford Loop is a configuration of interconnected pipes associated with the gravity condensate return line on a steam boiler, and the point at which that condensation is re-introduced back into the boiler. It exists between the header of the boiler and the gravity return.

What is a Gifford loop?

A Gifford Loop is like a Hartford. Loop, except that the bottom of the in- side of the close nipple is located above. the boiler waterline rather than below. it. (

Do all boilers need a Hartford loop?

If the system has a dry return (as most one-pipe steam system do), you still need a Hartford Loop, even though no return piping is below the boiler’s waterline. This is because the near-boiler piping has an equalizer that keeps the water from backing out of the boiler when steam pressure builds.

How far below the water line is the Hartford loop installed?

A proper Hartford Loop is taken off the equalizing line of the boiler piping with its center 2″ below the normal water line. The shortest possible nipple and an immediate elbow turn the loop down to meet the wet return, forming a water seal.

What is Hartford loop pool?

The Hartford loop is a loop of air pipe (PVC) that rises from the air line above the highest possible water line of the spa by between 1″ to 4″ and then returns to the air line (see picture), this creates an air trap to stop water travelling along the air line.

Why does Hartford have a loop?

The Hartford loop is needed to prevent steam pressure in the condensate return line from forcing the liquid condensate (water) out of the boiler and back into the return piping system – something that could be a serious problem resulting in boiler water loss and boiler damage or destruction.

How many psi should boiler have?

Most boilers are safe up to around 30 psi, at which point seals can begin to fail. Modern boilers aren’t nearly as dangerous as early steam engines , but you can still damage them and require costly repairs. Provided your boiler stays in the 12-30 psi range, you’re in no real danger.

How much pressure is in a hydronic heating system?

On a typical residential hydronic heating boiler the operating pressures in the system range from about 12 psi cold to just under 30 psi hot – principally thanks to the pressure increase associated with the thermal expansion of water as it’s heated.

What is blowdown valve?

1. n. [Production] A valve or system of valves that, when activated, initiates a blowdown of a pipeline, plant, process, or platform; similar to an emergency shutdown valve (ESDV) that shuts in a pipeline, the BDV opens a pipeline.

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How does the boiler loop work?

A boiler filling loop is a hose that can temporarily connect your boiler to your main water supply. It is used to repressurise your boiler and top up the water when you drain or bleed your system.

What do steam boilers do?

A steam boiler is a steam producing heating system; it produces energy by heating water to create steam. A steam boiler burns fuel to heat water. The combination of heat and water produces steam. Steam boilers are defined by their construction, portability, types of tubes, types of fuel, and the pressure they produce.

How does a two-pipe steam system work?

In two-pipe steam installations, steam flows from the boiler to the radiators through an inlet pipe. Once the steam condenses it returns to the boiler through a second outlet pipe. You can typically recognise a two-pipe system from the two pipes and lack of steam vent attached to the radiator.

Why the pipes which have to convey steam from a boiler must have loops?

The pipes which have to convey steam must have loops because when steam passes pipelines got expand means they take extra length that is why they must have loops.

What is a wet return on a steam boiler?

Definition of wet return : a pipeline in a steam heating system for returning water of condensation to the boiler that being located below the waterline of the boiler can contain only water rather than the steam mixed with water which a return pipe located above the waterline may contain.

What is a steam loop?

Definition of steam loop : an arrangement of pipes by which water of condensation can be returned to the boiler without a pump or injector as a result of condensation of boiler steam in a loop of two vertical pipes connected by a horizontal one.

How do spa blowers work?

How does it work? The blower is a unit that utilizes a fan to create air flow; it then forces the air through channels into the jets that allow for a release. The combination of air and water flow through the jets can provide a wonderful massage experience for the hot tub user.

How do you install a hot water loop on a steam boiler?

A: Fill the zone with water by using the two boiler drains. Put a hose on #1 and purge back through #2. Let the boiler steam, and then start the circulator. Use your two ball valves to blend the water through the bypass until your supply temperature reaches 180 degrees F.

Why is air detrimental to a hydronic heating system?

Air in a hydronic system is bad news because 1) dissolved air in the water will corrode/rust any piping or equipment made of ferrous materials and 2) free air within the piping will prevent flow, either partially or fully. Air lock within a piping system can stop flow as effectively as a closed valve.

What bar should a boiler run at?

Normal boiler pressure should be between about 1-2 bars. The ideal boiler pressure is often marked as a range in green on the gauge itself.

Is 2 too high for boiler pressure?

What Boiler Pressure Is “Too High”? Anything above a boiler pressure of 1.5 bar isn’t ideal. 2 bar starts to become more serious and when most boilers hit 3 bar, they’re in the red zone on the pressure gauge. So, the unit is likely to lock out and display a fault code.

Do you bleed a radiator when it is on or off?

Turn off your heating. You can’t bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator.

How much PSI is in a floor?

The relationship between PSI and feet of head is that 2.31 feet of head = 1 PSI. Translated, that means that a column of water that’s 1-inch square and 2.31 feet tall will weigh 1 pound.

What does the expansion tank on a boiler do?

The expansion tank is designed to handle the thermal expansion of water as it heats up in the water heater, preventing excessive water pressure. If water pressure gets to high it can damage valves in plumbing fixtures, joints in supply pipes and the water heater itself.

What is a globe valve?

A globe valve regulates flow in a pipeline. It is used to control or stop the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe. Globe valves are named for their spherical body shape with the two halves of the body being separated by an internal baffle.

What is Scumming valve?

marine. A boiler mounting used to remove scum from the water surface. A shallow dish is positioned at the normal water level and connected to the valve.

What is the difference between blowdown and depressurization?

is that blowdown is (chemical engineering) the removal of liquid and solid hydrocarbons from a refinery vessel by the use of pressure while depressurization is the act, or an instance, of depressurizing; a reduction of atmospheric pressure within a chamber or space vehicle etc.

What is a hydronic loop?

A building’s hydronic HVAC system is rarely just the sum of its parts. The system is comprised of chillers, boilers, pumps, VFDs, AHUs, and valves that create a loop through which water is circulated to control the building’s temperature and its occupants’ comfort.

Can I leaving filling loop connected?

Some people find it more convenient to leave the filling loop attached or next to the boiler. This is actually against regulations, as they state your filling loop needs to be disconnected from your boiler when it’s not in use. If it’s left on, you can cause irreparable damage to your filling loop boiler.

Does the filling loop go on the flow or return?

It doesn’t matter where you put it and no, it will not invalidate a warranty. If you look at vaillant ecotec plus Boilers, their built in loop is on the flow. There are thing that are better placed on the flow such as filters and expansion vessels.

Who invented steam boiler?

Stephen Wilcox worked with George Babcock to invent the water tube steam boiler. This boiler allowed safer and more efficient production of steam.