counter and parallel flow?

markZ

Paul, typically counter flow is pitched up-hill at roughly 1" every 10' where as parallel flow is pitched downhill at roughly 1" every 20'. That's what the books say.

Mark Z

markZ

counter and parallel flow?

Recently expanded 1-pipe steam system by openning and extending one of the 2" mains 30' into crawl space of our extension. All pipes are insulated w/ 2" fiber and all is running well. Slightly balancing the Rads now. While I was changing one of the the main air vents to a gorton, not on the main that had been extended, I noticed an odd thing. By using the 2" main that I was going to extendd as a guide and based on the way? she was hanging in the basement after ~70 yrs I had always assumed that I had a counter flow steam system. Looking at the other main, and a closer look at the beginnings of the extended main it is now clear that I have a parallel flow steam system. Although the main line extension was pitched as a counter flow, there issues. No water hammering, no spitting air vents..almost too good to be true. Note that originally where the 2" main ended there was the wet return. I left this in place and had the new wet return T-join in at mid-way up the pipe. This may be why I'm able to have a counter flow section function along side a parallel system. Here's the question....is it no victim-no crime or should I attempt at changing the pitch of the extended main to be a parallel flow like the system truely is. I can change the pitch without really ripping everything apart. Still can't believe I didn't see this earlier. Appreciate all thoughts and suggestions, short of getting better eyeware.

thanks, Mark Z

Steamhead (in transit)

Well, if it's working

you could justify leaving it as it is.

But I think you're going to go ahead and adjust the pitch. That's what I'd do.

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markZ

counter and parallel flow?

Steamhead, thanks and I think you're right. I'll be adjusting the pitch. Luckily the crawl space is 4' from under the floor joists to the vermin slab so I have working room. Praise the lord! Further, made the faux-pas of putting the air vent at the very end of the line. So while I'm down there I can re-pipe a touch by moving the air vent back about 12" from the end, which is max for this situation, and although the T for the air vent will be right next to the T for the last Rad riser shouldn't appear to be issue from what I've read at the Wall. Just a little more banging to keep my kids wondering who's that idiot in the basment and what? is he doing.

Thanks for advice, Mark Z.

Paul_34

on a counter flow what way do you what the pitch going.