Broomell Steam System

Rambo

<span style="font-size:12pt">I have purchased a new Peerless steam boiler for my two-pipe Broomell Steam System. My installer wants to cut out a device that I think is called a receiver/regulator chamber. I have shown him pages 254-257 in your book The Lost Art of Steam Heating and he still is not sure of the function of this part. I’m concerned that if he cuts it out my system may not function properly.  I also need to know were he can purchase a Vaporstat instead of the Pressuretrol that the new boiler came equipped with. I will attach pictures of the regulator and would like your advice as to whether I should let him cut this out.</span>

gerry gill

no offense intended,

but i'm kinda thinkin' that if he doesn't know where to get his own vaporstat and wants to remove things that he admits to not knowing what they are or do, that you might maybe just kind of might want another installer..just maybe.

Jamie Hall

If you don't

know what it does and why it's there you throw it out?  No way.  The proper approach is to leave it as it is -- and take the time to figure out what it is and why it's there.  The dead men weren't much into decoration in the basement; what they put in they usually put in for a reason (particularly in vapour systems) and it needs to be there.



And if your man doesn't know where to get a vaporstat, you have problems.  I agree with Gerry...

BRIANJ

The Old Broomell

I have to assume that the first thing you did was calculate the total EDR of all your radiators. Particularly with a Vapor system you don"t want too much or too little steam.  You're also going to need some Gorton # 2 Air Eliminators if the system is not already properly vented.

Follow Dan's directions in the book. The receiver can stay. It will not be functional but it will keep the system intact. You can get a Honeywell Vaporstat from a good supply house although you may have to wait while they order it. There are always some on ebay. You'll want a model that measures from 0 - 16 oz. You will also need a Low Pressure Gauge from the Gauge Store (0 - 15 oz.). The gauge will also help in setting the Vaporstat at the proper settings. You don't want more than 6 - 8 ozs of pressure when the system is running.

Lastly, are you using natural gas or oil. If NG can your Peerless be set up with a two stage gas valve. This would help lower the pressure and reduce your heating bills.

Good Luck. BrianR

Gordo

Mr. Gill

is truly a gentleman and a scholar.  The restraint he is showing is remarkable.   If he wasn't the professional he was, I think would be screaming at you to fire your current installer and get a REAL steam man in there to give that beautiful system the care it deserves.



You, my good sir, are fortunate to currently be the steward of one of the most remarkable pieces of American steam heating technology.  Please keep "Mr. Sawsall" from desecrating it.



Thank you for coming here and sharing it with us.  You've come to the right place.



Most glad to know you have and have read "Lost Art".



Please, do keep us informed on your progress.