Converting 2 pipe steam to water

tmw

I've got a 70 yr. old Arco K vapor orifice system which has been functioning poorly (probably a few blocked returns on the boiler level among other issues) for at least 10 years.



I also need a new boiler as my 35 yr. old WM has bit the dust.



I've been told that this system is pretty easy to convert to hot water and am considering a system 2000 set up. As long as I don't run into major piping issues and my old radiators can supply enough heat for this conversion is this a good idea?



Has anyone experienced this or a similar scenario?



thanks

DanHolohan

Here's an article that will help:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/11/Hot-Tech-Tips/152/Converting-from-steam-to-hot-water-heat

Big Ed_4

Let me save you some time ...

Ever hear the phase " Opening up a can of worms ".. Running water under pressure is a good way to find all the leaks. Even the ones you never had



If you would like to change to a hot water system change it all !!! System and boiler.



Sorry I really am being kind here. ..

tmw

thanks..

Thanks Dan,



I came across that article earlier and found it very helpful. I was just hoping that maybe because my system has less moving parts (i.e. steam traps) that maybe it might be an easier conversion. I guess this is probably not the case, the returns and increased pressure probably being my biggest issues.



As you know, my valves have an orifice, I've never seen anything which might trap steam (ball bearing, membrane, etc.) in any of the return elbows or in any other part of the return line. Is this normal?



thanks

wmt



p.s.  After reading your book I finally know what type of system I have!

tmw

it's starting to sink in..

maybe I just need to think about getting this old steam system to run. repiping the returns is not something I'm willing to do.



Perhaps there is a new steam boiler in my future. And a plea for Steamhead to travel up the coast a few hours for a nice long visit...

Jamie Hall

Good heavens!

you're even thinking of changing over a lovely orifice type vapour system to Hot Water?!  Yike.  Those are easy to fix -- as you note, no traps or fancy stuff -- and are just about the very best heating systems ever put together!  They work so well!



Don't Do It!!!!



Where are you?  I'm sure there's someone nearby who can help!

DanHolohan

The orifices tend to whistle when you pump through them.

Gets the attention of the neighborhood dogs. :-)



Thanks for reading me.

tmw

I'm in NW New Jersey...

near Hacketstown, on an old farm. I spoke with Steamhead and another guy named Derek in Chester, NJ. Both seemed affable and knowledgeable although Derek seemed to indicate that a hot water conversion might make sense. Steamhead sounded more enthusiastic about fixing what I have...



thanks for the replies..

Steamhead

I've seen some botched conversions

that leaked all over the place and didn't heat well. Our company does not recommend or perform steam-to-water conversions, and will not work on a system someone else has converted. There are just too many pitfalls and too many rabid liability lawyers.



Fix what you have. You'll love the way it works.