all-vac steam control system

nicholas bonham-carter

many early systems worked on the vacuum principal.in the days of coal, the fire could die down [but not be extinguished], and the heat loss in the radiators would therefore slightly exceed the btu output of the boiler.
the result was a very low steam pressure in the pipes below atmospheric which kept low temperature steam filling the system.even when running full tilt, the boiler might not go above a few ounces of pressure.
now-a-days it is challenging to devise a gas, or oil burner with enough modulation to mimic the character of the coal fire, but not impossible.
i would suggest that you buy dan's steam book on this site which goes into more detail than i could ever type.
are you restoring this system, or just interested in the history?
many companies were only active in a certain region of the country but all the principles of operation were similar.--nbc

dennis daniewski

steam

I am looking for information on a steam control system installed in an old high rise building.The name of the system is All- Vac Steam Control System made by Bessemer Building, It looks like the intent was to run the supply and return in a vaccuum.Any info or input would be appreciated

Steamhead (in transit)

That sounds a lot

like the Dunham Vari-Vac. Can you post some pics of the various parts and controls of he system?

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ttekushan_3

AKA

also known as subatmospheric operation. The lighter the load on the system the greater the vacuum drawn on the system. Cool stuff. Always wondered how those selective controllers worked. Seems to me that such a system from those days would be relatively high maintenance. Today, tho, the sensors would be tiny and the entire control system would be computerized and probably the size of your typical tekmar control. A fully up to date interpretation of subatmospheric steam would be fascinating and quite practical.

Steamhead (in transit)

Sounds like

we all should make a project out of it.....

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nicholas bonham-carter

vacuum project

well--when do we start?
this will get us all ready for outfitting the space station with 1-pipe steam--if our tools don't "float off".
that will now become the new apprentices excuse for missing tools!!--nbc