VA-600 Bypass

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RON1958
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Post by RON1958 » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 10:21 am

Hi all. Is the by-pass equalizer necessary ? I've seen pics with and without. What's correct?

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 10:58 am

Van Wert included it in the piping diagram in the manual. I would include it unless you have constant circulation through the boiler.

 
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Lightning
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Post by Lightning » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 11:13 am

If I recall correctly, a bypass goes between the main supply and return of the boiler so that water can naturally circulate while the pump is off. If that is proper, what is stopping water from using the bypass while the pump is on?


 
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Post by lzaharis » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 1:21 pm

The boiler bypass whether it is controlled by a metering valve or a ball valve lets some or most of the cooler water coming from the herd of tube radiators on the upper floors bypass the boiler to prevent condensation from occurring in the firebox as the water in the steam chest will remain hotter in temperature and avoid shocking the boiler.

 
RON1958
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Post by RON1958 » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 1:44 pm

I will be circulating 24/7. do I need the by-pass?

 
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Post by lzaharis » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 1:50 pm

If the return water stays below 130 Degrees Fahrenheit, yes.


 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 1:53 pm

Lightning wrote:
Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 11:13 am
If I recall correctly, a bypass goes between the main supply and return of the boiler so that water can naturally circulate while the pump is off. If that is proper, what is stopping water from using the bypass while the pump is on?
It depends how it is piped. If you pipe it from different tappings than those used by the supply and return header, flow in one circuit won’t cause flow in the other. A boiler bypass, system bypass, and an equalizer loop are 3 different things.

If using constant circulation and you don’t expect to encounter low return temperatures, no additional piping is needed.

 
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nepacoal
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Post by nepacoal » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 2:04 pm

If you have a high volume system like big cast iron radiators, you may want/need the bypass (especially in the shoulder months with 100+ gallons of 70° water coming back). Plain old baseboard heat, probably not needed...

 
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Post by Lightning » Wed. Jan. 18, 2023 3:06 pm

Ah... I see, thank you..

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