More about unbalanced heat problems

Laszlo

HI! Thank you all for your messages. Michael: we won't reduce the size of the supply pipe!
Here's more info:
This is a one-pipe steam system, gas boiler, not quite 5 years old.
All supply pipes are 2" diameter. All are insulated with fiberglass steam pipe insulation.
We have Gorton and Hoffman valves on the radiators in the 5 apartments, various sizes according to the floor. Smaller in the front apts. than in the back.

The run from boiler to the front risers is 19' long. There are no vents in that run. The front apartments each have a radiator in the living room, the bedroom & the bathroom.

The run from the boiler to the back of the building is 53' long. There is one vent ( a #1, Groton, I think ) at the very end. I can add a vent easily at 22' and at 34' feet from the boiler. The back apartments each have a radiator in the kitchen, middle room and back room.
Any suggestions?
Laszlo

Steamhead (in transit)

Change the Gorton #1 on the long main

to a Gorton #2. Watch how quickly the back main heats. You generally want all your venting capacity at the ends of the mains- the exception is on larger, more-complicated systems.

Install the #1 on the front main. Now both should heat quickly and evenly.

"Steamhead"

Laszlo

Re: unbalanced heating

Hi Steamhead! Thanks for your message. Sorry for the delay in response. I can change the Gorton #1 to a #2 on the back main. But, there's no vent at all on the front, so where would I put the valve? Also, since the front heats up too quickly already, won't putting a valve on it make it heat up even faster?
Thanks so much for your time and your advice.
Laszlo