Need advice on replacing this boiler

Steamhead (in transit)

an old domestic hot water coil. If you get the job, you can get the copper coil...

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Rick_80

Need advice on replacing old boiler

I am quoting this job in the Detroit areea ,and I'm not sure about a couple of things.

#1 What size boiler to use ?
The tag on this old boiler says:
American radiator co. number / series S 2908 7B
Here is a pic of the tag


#2 What exactly is this device on the return line ,and should I keep it ? See pic


#3 What is this thing ? Should I keep it ?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I've been a member here for quite awhile and have replaced many boilers ,but this thing is older than me.

Thank you very much.
hvacdude in Detroit

Ross_7

The Ideal System

Hold on a sec there, Rick!

That's an old "Ideal" Vapor system. Most of the piping on the system should be just fine. Add up the EDR for the building, for the new steam boiler. Change out the air vents on the dry returns,( I think that I see three so far?) based on the size & length of the piping. Remember, these systems use extremely LOW pressure(ounces, not PSI). You should use a Honeywell Vaporstat for an operating control. If you need a quick reference, there is a sheet in the Library under the "Steam Vapor/Vacuum" section, scroll down & look for the PDF file "The Ideal system" Also, buy Dan's "Lost Art of Steam Heating" as a reference guide. Don't demo any of it out until you understand the system as a whole. Let us know, and good luck!
Ross

Rick_80

Thank you so much for the response. I was planning on incorporating those components into the replacement. I still need to count all the radiators. Count the # of tubes on each radiator , to get my capacity.
I am familiar with vapor stats.
I also have the "lost art" book and many of Dan's other books. I have also attended A couple of Dan's seminars. If I get the job , I'll post some pics .