pipe size to storage

Too small for an EKO 60 I'd say. I think you should be running 1.5". There are some threads around here on what size is typical for a given btu output range.

Also - a Taco 11 is a huge pump for 50 feet of distance. I'd think a Taco 007 would be more than enough...

I noticed that BioheatUSA has a simple chart for this.

http://blog.woodboilers.com/2010/01/simplified-pipepump-sizing-chart-copper.html

There are a lot of variables involved in determining the actual feet of head and what you are getting for GPM, but the chart can show you how much the transfer increases proportionally based on pipe size. Seems like you can get more than twice as much transfer by going to 1.25" and more than three times by going to 1.5".

One _possible_ option for you (and there are other factors that'll determine whether it's a preferable option) might be to run a second 1 inch copper line in parallel with your existing line, so that you don't have to completely take a bath on the existing pipe and the cost of complete new, even larger, pipe.

I did some math--check me on this:
15gpm through 1" copper has 16.83 ft. pressure drop (no fittings added in)

A Taco 011 will deliver about 18' of head pressure at 15 gpm.

15 gpm x 8.32#/gallon x 60 min/hr x 20F Delta T = 149,780 btus/hr

Did I do this right?

Tom in Maine said:

I did some math--check me on this:
15gpm through 1" copper has 16.83 ft. pressure drop (no fittings added in)

A Taco 011 will deliver about 18' of head pressure at 15 gpm.

15 gpm x 8.32#/gallon x 60 min/hr x 20F Delta T = 149,780 btus/hr

Did I do this right?

Click to expand...

That math is correct. Not sure about 15gpm causing 16.83ft of pressure drop, it depends on the length of the 1" pipe doesn't it?

The pressure drop is for 100 lf of 1" pipe at 15 gpm.
A 50' run x 2 pipes.

KarlK said:

So It sounds like my pipe is ok? I checked my supply and return temp at the boiler and there is a 17 degree difference .

Click to expand...

I'd say you're fine.

Pushing that much flow through 1" copper is waaaay past normally accepted design practices. You will likely experience some flow noise as well as erosion failure of fittings over time due to water velocity. 1-1/4" black pipe would be an excellent choice if you have the means to work with it. Just because a person can put a bigger pump on it and force it to work doesn't means it's a good solution to the problem.

The system is a little undersized, but I would expect erosion failure is not an issue.
Noise might be, but given the location of the components, it is not a big deal.

I would not be considering a plumbing change unless there was some other issue.

Tom in Maine said:

The system is a little undersized, but I would expect erosion failure is not an issue.
Noise might be, but given the location of the components, it is not a big deal.

I would not be considering a plumbing change unless there was some other issue.

Click to expand...

I agree entirely, it's not like your pumping that much gpm through baseboards in your bedroom or anything.

If you do re-plumb & re-pump you might want to consider a 3 speed pump (Grundfos 15-58 similar to 007). My Tarm 60 pumps to storage on speed 2 the best. At least you'll have some flexibility.
Rob