vapor system?

jim dirlam

We have a customer whose steam radiators have 1/2" piping supply and return and no traps. The boiler has been replaced by others, but the system is not working. Do you think this was a vapor system? What type of system might it be? There are some air vents installed by the boiler man in an attempt to get the radiators hot. Some air vents on the returns. Maybe we should abandon the steam concept and circulate water.
Stumped in Westchester County

Brad White_9

Might just be

a hot water system, period. Possibly converted but without traps, I would think hot water.

If it were steam, at least a vacuum system but the supply piping would still be larger than the return piping. If really old steam it would have globe valves on the returns ILO traps. But half-inch pipe is piddling for steam. All the more reason I think hot water.

Is there an expansion tank? If not in the basement, perhaps the attic? Circulator? I doubt it is a gravity system with 1/2" pipe.

Obvious questions I have to ask. Any more information?

[Deleted User]

Try reducing the pressure

to 1 psi or less. Could be that steam is bing forced into the dry returns, by excessive pressure, & locking up the system. A good place to start.

If that helps, a vaporstat & some vent work, on the dry returns, would be the next steps.

.

Steamhead (in transit)

Look at those return ells closely

You may have a Broomell, VECO or similar system there. If there's nothing in the return ells, the water seal may be in the return bushings- especially if they appear to be concentric rather than eccentric.

Some Vapor systems did use 1/2" supplies, especially on smaller radiators.

I wouldn't try to convert this to hot-water. It's been running at low pressure so long, increasing the pressure at least ten times as hot-water would require could cause some interesting leaks.

How about taking some pics and posting them here?

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Brad White_20

Figured

you would have an angle on this one Steamhead. Another fascinating feature from the historical archive... Will sit back and learn.

Thanks

Brad

Boilerpro_3

I agree

I love those old systems without traps...very little maintenance and better economy. I would definitely try lower pressures and check to be sure the original supply valves are in place. They often limit the amount of vapor entering the rad so it can't get to the return.....If the pressure is kept below 8 ounces. If some are missing you can throttle the standard ones to limit the amount of steam entering the rad.

Boilerpro