NTI · Boiler troubleshooting

Piping without an external central heating circulator (TRX150 / TRX199 and TRX199C)

TRX

What is going on

Experienced guys will tell you this layout works but has limits. The boiler's internal circulator feeds the heating system directly, so there's no external central heating pump. It suits zone valve or non-circulator systems with small flow needs, up to about 9 gpm at 9 ft of head. Go past that and you starve the heat exchanger, so confirm the numbers first.

Likely causes

  • Zone valve system with low flow needs
  • Job with no space or budget for an external circulator
  • High-resistance or long piping that exceeds the internal pump's capability
  • System needing primary/secondary piping instead

Check in this order

  1. Confirm the system flow is within about 9 gpm at 9 ft of head before using this layout.
  2. For direct piping (not primary/secondary), install the expansion vessel on the return side of the boiler.
  3. Do not put check valves or other flow-restricting devices between the boiler return and the expansion vessel.
  4. Keep minimum flow of 2 gpm through the heat exchanger.
  5. Keep the 12-diameter straight-pipe run upstream of any circulator.
  6. Check flow after startup by comparing supply and return temperatures.

Applies to: TRX150 / TRX199 / TRX199C without external central heating circulator

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Source: NTI TRX150 manual, p. 33. Written in our own words; check the manual for your exact model.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.