Explain performance differences for 1-piper vs 2-pipe Steam

Steve Garson_2

So what is the advantage, besides traps that have to be maintained and more pipe to install?

Charlie Taylor_2

Explain performance differences for 1-piper vs 2-pipe Steam

More for my understanding: My house has 1-pipe steam which is working great. What benefit does a 2-pipe steam system have over 1-pipe. Does 2-pipe still have the vents on each radiator?

Unknown

Steve

as you know you have to vent the air out for the steam to enter. On "one pipe" this is accomplished through individual rad vents into the room, closing on steam entrance to the vent and allowing condensate to "run back" the same entrance pipe.
On two pipe the air is vented through each "trap" fitted on the rad and closes upon live steam hitting its detection method(bellows, bi-metallic etc.), as the cooler condensate from the rad hits this it "shrinks", allowing the condensed water to return to the boiler by its own piping system.

Dave

Unknown

Steve

Smaller sized piping as there is no counterflow, this equals more ceiling height.
Are you thinking of changing your system, or looking for definitions?

Dave

Steve Garson_2

Just learning. Thanks to this site and all you pros, my steam system works perfectly, except for some occasional whistles on some vents, so I need to do something new. Ed Wallace installed a new SGO-4 a few years back. My oil usage dropped 25% on a degree day basis.

I am enamored with heating and this site. I think if I could have done things over, I would be in the heating business:-)

Unknown

Steve,

we all appreciate your experience and wisdom, and are glad things turned-out OK for you, Ed is a GREAT GUY, and we are all Doctors in our own right!
Take care!

Dave

Steve Garson_2

Do you know where Ed is these days?