Pressuretrol and Effeciency

jeff_50

Is there a link between the opertation of the pressuretrol on a one pipe system and the fuel
effeciency of the boiler?

Thanks,

JC

Steamhead

Not the boiler

but the efficiency of the entire system. Building pressure just generates more steam than needed, wasting fuel.

Crank it down!

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jeff_50

Steamhead,

It's down as low as it will go. I've checked the
pigtail and it's clean. I've never seen the pressuretrol
kick on as long as I've been tending the system.
I think it must be shot. Would a vaporstat be
a better solution for a home one pipe system?

Thanks,

JC

Steamhead

That's not necessarily bad

unless the gauge is showing pressure higher than you've set the Pressuretrol for.

If the boiler's capacity is closely matched to that of the system, the system will condense steam as fast as the boiler can produce it. In that case, no pressure will build.

If all radiators heat properly and there are no uninsulated pipes, I think you're OK.

But if the gauge shows pressure and the Pressuretrol doesn't react, you need a new one. In that case I'd spend the extra money for a Vaporstat since it is more accurate. If a Vaporstat is hard to find, an L404 Pressuretrol (NOT the PA404) is a good second choice since it's built the same as a Vaporstat.

If you're in doubt, have a pro look at your system. It could be the best money you ever spent. Try the Find a Professional page of this site.

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jeff_50

I know that the gage works, but each time the system runs, the gage needle never leaves the zero mark. I guess that's good but my system is a little uneven, especially in the more mild weather. I've put all new venting on the rads as well as the mains (per your [Steamhead's] advise.) All the pipes are insulated. I've tried to set the anticipator correctly per the amperage.

I've looked on the 'find a pro' but no one in Rochester, NY is listed. I would like to have a pro fine tune my system, I just have not been able to find one. So I read this site and Dan's books and try to do my best. But, there's nothing like having the help of someone who KNOWS what they're doing.

Mad Dog_2

Mark Hunt might take a nice saturday right out there

He's closer than I am. Mad Dog

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Mike T., Swampeast MO

Imbalances tend to show themselves in milder weather--particularly with steam when your supply temperature is essentially fixed. You're relying on your radiators to cool evenly and proportionately to the heat loss.

Am not saying that the distribution of the steam isn't at least part of the culprit, but any modifications in the shell and less-than-ideal initial balance/piping definitely play a role as well.