Pipe size reduction...

Leaky

Allright, I think I know the answer to this but will ask anyhow-

May I run a radiator off a 1" black iron pipe?  It is approximately 14 feet away from a 2" main; the system is 1-pipe steam.

Also, what about copper?  This system is already a hybrid of copper/iron, copper being used at the near boiler piping (I assume the oil man replaced the boiler), then back to black, then back to copper for one existing radiator- perhaps it was relocated.  Thoughts on my using copper for this other 14 foot run to the radiator?

Thanks much.

Steamhead

How big

is the radiator, in Square Feet EDR? Is there any other radiator on this 1" pipe? How much pitch can you get on the pipe?



Don't use copper. Whoever piped your boiler in copper didn't know what he was doing. Only use black threaded steel for pipes that carry steam.

Leaky

Just one radiator,

the EDR is 40 sq. ft.   I can get a strong 1/8 or a weak 1/4 inch per foot pitch consistently along the line.  I'd like to use 1" pipe if its possible.  also the run is actually only 12 feet.

Steamhead

Are there any other rads

of similar size piped into that system with 1" pipe? I have seen this work but it's really pushing the limits, unless the whole system is done that way. 

Leaky

yes and no...

there is one other rad of almost exactly the same size (40 sq. ft. EDR) fed by 1" pipe. 



However, that  1" is the last foot and is vertical after 11 feet of horizontal 1 1/4 pipe off the 2" main.



No complaints of noise from the customer.  

Steamhead

There ya go

I wouldn't use 1" for your proposed rad then. Make it 1-1/4" up to the stub-up. If that means changing the tee on the main, so be it.