one-pipe heating systems

Solomon Rosenbaum

Hi Mr. Holohan,

I am finally getting through some of the articles that I have ripped
out of my trade magazines over the past months because I knew I would
get to them eventually.

You wrote an article in the February issue of PM Engineer that deals
with the balancing of a one-pipe steam system. I am now in the middle
of the article and I realize that I have no idea what you are talking
about because I am completely unfamiliar with these systems. Although
we deal with some older building, I have never been exposed to these
systems.

Can you please explain to me the basics of these systems or perhaps you
can direct me to a website that has some further details.

Thank you,
Solomon

don_144

well

I dont know if its still availible..but the dead man steam school is the best money I've ever spent.

Look into books and more,should be lots of info there that will cost so little but save so much.

You're on the right track.

JackEnnisMartin

One Pipe steam systems

Solomon
The best advice I can give you is to buy Dan's book "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" it is a truly useful book. However,I would also suggest that you require a knowledgable person to help you on this problem and I would ask Dan about someone in your area that is competent and professional.

Good luck

Jack Ennis Martin

Joe Grosso

A one-pipe system is easy to spot

There is only one pipe connected to each radiator. Steam enters thru this pipe and condensate drains back thru this pipe also. The fact that a quantity of water expands 1700 times when boiled into steam, and shrinks the same 1700 times when the steam condenses back into water, is what allows this to work.

Since air inside the radiator would prevent steam from entering, each radiator has a vent on the end opposite the pipe connection. Steam mains should also have large vents at their ends, for the same reason.

Get the books mentioned above- not only are they full of good info, but they're also interesting to read.