Help for replacing mains vents (w/ fast venting valves)

Beaty McCloud

Hello,

I have recently purchased a home that uses an older steam furnace for heat. My father said that if I posted here someone would be able to help me figure out what size vents are needed to replace the older main vents with fast venting valves. Here are the measurements for the mains (there are 3 loops).

Loop 1: 18 feet of 2.5 inch diameter pipe, then 17 feet of 2 inch pipe (return) before reaching the current vent.

Loop 2: 46 feet of 2.5 inch diameter pipe, then 29 feet of 2 inch pipe (return) before reaching the current vent.

Loop 3: 28 feet of 2.5 inch diameter pipe, then 15 feet of 2 inch pipe (return) before reaching the current vent.

After each of the the current vents, there are about 6 feet of pipe for each loop that connects it back to the (natural gas fired) boiler. I am assuming that the length after the vent isn't as important as the rest of the loop.

Another question that I have is, it seems sort of "time consuming" to put the vents all the way back by the furnace when pushing the steam out. Would it be beneficial to retap the mains and put them after the last radiator? I do not plan to do this at the moment, but if it is something that would be beneficial, I would consider it.

If any additional info is needed, then please let me know and I will get it for you. I greatly appreciate any help and suggestions that people can provide.

-Beaty

Steamhead (in transit)

Vent sizes

Main 1: 1 Gorton #1

Main 2: 1 Gorton #2

Main 3: 2 Gorton #1

Yes, in this case it would be a very good idea to mount the vents just after the tee for the last rad on each main. There's no sense in filling all that pipe with steam if there are no rads feeding off off it.

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Beaty McCloud

Hi, and thanks for your response.

If the vents are mounted closer to the T for the final radiator off the main, does that change the number/size of the vents, or will the sizes posted still be valid? The last radiator is just before the 2.5 -> 2 inch reduction for each loop.

For the third main, two Gorton #1 vents are needed in place of the current single vent, either requiring a T from the main, or the main being tapped for the second vent. Is there a preference for either way?

Thanks again for your help, and sharing your knowledge.

-Beaty

Steamhead (in transit)

It won't change the sizes

cause I figured they would be moved closer to the last takeoff.

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Beaty McCloud

OK. Thanks again for your help!

Best wishes,

-Beaty