Best Of

Re: DEAD WRONG

Merchant couplings AKA thread protectors.....I have seen and have used on low pressure gas and steam piping.

Never did buy any as they were "free" on each length of pipe.

So now I mostly use the "proper" couplings.

The Merchant ones are not tapered inside. You easily verify this by laying a straight edge, such as a wood pencil, inside on the threads. Flat and level line.

The seal is made by the taper of the male pipe end, this allows you to run the pipe farther into the coupling with the same results.

There is a popular steamer Utuber who utilizes this feature to shorten or lengthen a short pipe made up of 2 nipples. If it was a problem for him, I doubt if it would be shown.

Our lumber yard, which threads pipe for the rural people, sells the Merchant couplings they gain from pipe lengths, to be used for water lines. Haven't heard of problems.

JUGHNE

1

Re: Oldest steam boiler still in use

Your (admittedly beautiful) American Radiator Ideal is a teenager. In Chicago, we work on dozens of Kewanee Brickset firebox steel boilers that are well over 100 years old. Rarely does a week pass that we are not working on a boiler over a century old. We stock all parts to repair these boilers and expect many of them to go on for many more years. Many of these are as large as a bus with tubes exceeding 12' in length. Interestingly enough, the efficiency is not bad, normally in the mid-70s with proper gas burner.
Scott Fewer, grandson of founder
Fewer Boiler Inc (est. 1895)

Fewer_Boiler_Chicago

7

Re: DEAD WRONG

Mad Dog_2

2

Re: Oldest steam boiler still in use

We replaced what (we believe) was the original steam boiler in our home in 2009. House was built in 1910 and boiler was working. We've lived here since 1977. If it was original, it was 99 years old when we had it removed. We still love our steam heat, which is now provided by a Weil-McLain EG-65. I've attached a photo of the American Radiator boiler that we had taken out. It was originally coal fired and was converted to Natural Gas with an "Iron Fireman" unit. I wish I had taken better pictures. I kept the old pressure gauge (dial, 5" across) from the old unit as a souvenir.

Kentucky_Steam

5

Re: DEAD WRONG

@STEAM DOCTOR this is an interesting subject. However, I work with three two pipe air vent systems, newest from 1885, complete with “gun barrel” (eg nason or bundy) radiators locally manufactured and they are a delight. They’re quiet and trouble free (well NOW they are after the vented returns were corrected and returned to original design).

One can’t assume that the returns are instantly filled with steam. They aren’t. Once everything hits saturation, yes steam enters the returns but by that time the radiator vents are all closed and the radiators heating. The ONLY thing to bear in mind is that you just can’t shut off the supply valve and expect to get no heat at all from a radiator but that’s why the dead men thoughtfully provided a shutoff valve on the return connection as well.

I’m terms of being a flop, it wasn’t. Very soon thereafter the radiator trap was developed and it made for easier plumbing and single valve control.

Interestingly, one site under my care has a few Danfoss valves on the inlets and they actually work well enough to control the room temps, as most cycles are short enough that the returns are effectively lower pressure than supply. So it works, and quite well!

Interesting subject tho

ttekushan_3

3

Re: DEAD WRONG

I continue to learn. And I try to teach. 😉

As long as you continue to talk I will continue to learn

EdTheHeaterMan

1

Re: DEAD WRONG

How it was (worth a read).
https://www.ualocal1.org/history.aspx

DanHolohan

3

Re: DEAD WRONG

Remember this, nothing has changed from than to today. There are installed systems right and many wrong from application to commissioning. The only difference is the Wanabees cheat their education, their time and their clients, not intentionally unless you consider not getting trained and educated, intentional. What has changed is clients are getting smarter and mfgs. are building more installer proof systems. Some like AO Smith will not let the installer start up the system if they want to keep it warrantied. After all what average installer can afford to replace a $20,000.00 piece of equipment from stupidity. And of course, on this site we are constantly being educated as to how it can be wrong. If you are here, you are among those who want to do it right.

Lance

1

Re: Steam humidifier

We install and service the Aprilaire 800 series..
These units can be installed as a stand along with the fanpack or in a rigid duct with the injection pipe , if you are installing it in a duct it is highly recommended using a "Sail switch" to only allow the unit to work when there is air movement.
The higher end AA Thermostat/humidistats have a "Window schedule" and also base the humidification process on ODR which greatly reduces the possibility for overhumidification.
It also can be hooked up to your WLAN for remote access and notifications.
Hope this helps..

Derheatmeister

1

Re: Firomatic as outside shutoff?

The Firomatic is a safety device, not a control valve. Don't mix them up.

Jamie Hall

2