Steam to Hydronic conversion

Nick_34

we operate a 17 unit apartment bldg, (approx 90years old) and we would like to convert the existing steam system to a hydronic system. does anyone know of a consultant who can look at our job to recommend the proper way to pipe the new system and the proper boiler size for the building?

nicholas bonham-carter

steam to hydronic

many pros on this site will advise you to keep your present steam system--just make it work correctly.i can now see the benefits of steam since our boiler was replaced--
quiet as never before,
even as never before,
about 10% fuel consumption savings this winter.
only drawback to our 1-pipe steam system is no zoning;however in our 1885 building repiping the whole system would have been very difficult[like yours].
you may want to post your location and age and ratings and particulars of your present boiler so that you can get the advice you need which in my case was truly invaluable here!!
use this link to read what others have to say about steam to hydronic conversions:

http://forums.invision.net/Search_Results.cfm?CFApp=2

i am now a believer in the benefits of a properly set up steam system [especially if it is difficult to switch]
good luck and let us know how it turns out!--nbc

Jim_65

One

pipe steam systems can be zoned (essentially) with use of individual TRV's. These one pipe steam valve bodies/TRV sensor heads are available from Oventrop and Danfoss...

We have done this successfully in a couple of Apartment buildings with one pipe systems.

Steamhead (in transit)

What Nicholas and Jim said

It's much more cost-effective to fix steam systems rather than attempt to convert them. Besides, the operating pressure of hot-water is much higher than that of a properly-operating steam system, so if any weak points exist in the piping or radiators, they will leak and damage the building.

Keep the steam. Where are you located?

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