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Re: Can I just add two radiators to my system
So you have a mix of fin tube and cast iron radiators? Those heat up much differently and don't always get along well on the same zone.
If it is one series loop now, the more heat emitters you add, the lower the water temperature as it reaches the end units, that could be an issue also, heat output will drop off.
Copper fin tube warms in seconds, cast rads can take 15- 30 minutes to get some noticeable heat.
Ideally they would be on separate zones.
Bleeding air from radiators below the boiler level takes some pretty good flow, if that is what you have?
If it is one series loop now, the more heat emitters you add, the lower the water temperature as it reaches the end units, that could be an issue also, heat output will drop off.
Copper fin tube warms in seconds, cast rads can take 15- 30 minutes to get some noticeable heat.
Ideally they would be on separate zones.
Bleeding air from radiators below the boiler level takes some pretty good flow, if that is what you have?
hot_rod
1
Re: Thanks JohnNY (Gateway)
Why wouldnt work like that? ( he winces as he asks).I assume it's because in that position it will collect a lot of gunk and be blocked from "feeling" the high pressure it is supposed to protect against
Re: Problem with short-cycling, low water, and leaks
The returns could also be clogged causing slow return to the boiler.
i'll say it again. the cycle guard stops the burner to check the water level every x minutes, this could be what you see as it "shutting down on low water level"
i'll say it again. the cycle guard stops the burner to check the water level every x minutes, this could be what you see as it "shutting down on low water level"
mattmia2
1
Re: Thanks JohnNY (Gateway)
@SlamDunk I don't know how it impacts performance but the Watts install instructions state to install in the vertical position.
DJD775
2
Re: Boiler Steam Heat Setup
I would call that pretty horrible. It doesn't comply with the boiler manufacturer's requirements or good steamfitting practice. It should be black pipe rather than copper (except for the condensate returns). The steam main takeoffs should both be after the boiler riser and before the drop to the equalizer, not split to either side of the boiler riser as they are now, which will tend to throw water up into the left steam main. Also there is a reducer at the boiler steam outlet, which may not comply with the manufacturer's minimum piping specs depending on the rating of the boiler.delcrossv said:Your near boiler piping is incorrect, but not horrible.
How is the system working?
And the steam pipes should be insulated.
bburd
4
Re: Heating device ID
I think the booties are more protection from what is on the subfloor.
mattmia2
3
Re: Testing F+T traps, how reliable?
If Sarco did the testing, I would trust what they came up with. The modern testing equipment works well. The old way of using heat sticks, thermometers etc is not as reliable as the modern equipment.
Most large steam plants if they want their traps to work they just replace or rebuild them every 3-5 years or so. The labor it takes to go around and check every single trap is wasted labor.....you get nothing for it it 0 it cost you money. By the time you check them all you could have rebuilt bunches of them. That's just the way it is with commercial steam. And your traps with a vacuum return and high-pressure steam take more of a beating than a typical low-pressure system.
Most large steam plants if they want their traps to work they just replace or rebuild them every 3-5 years or so. The labor it takes to go around and check every single trap is wasted labor.....you get nothing for it it 0 it cost you money. By the time you check them all you could have rebuilt bunches of them. That's just the way it is with commercial steam. And your traps with a vacuum return and high-pressure steam take more of a beating than a typical low-pressure system.
Re: Old Boiler Dating
Probably installed or converted to oil in 1949. Coal was usually what was used for heating before wwii. If the boiler is older than that it was probably fired with coal.
mattmia2
2