Vent Sizing for 4" Mains.

MikeBlue

I have four 4" mains running from our boiler, a Weil McClain 880. The boiler is running at 3 psi, and I am working to reduce it to 2psi. Before replacing all valves on 50 plus radiators throughout the 5 story building, which is my next project, I want to vent the mains properly. The current venting is as follows, but I am not sure if the current vents are working properly. Main 1 is 54' long with a Gorton #1. Main 2 & 3 are 36' and 48'  and also are vented with Gorton #1's. The fourth is 65' long and vented with a Gorton #2. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

gerry gill

i'd put

4 gorton #2 vents on each main just for starters.

Rod

Venting

Hi Mike-  It might seem at first that going from a single Gorton #1 to four Gorton #2s on each main was rather a big jump. However, when it is a suggestion by Gerry Gill, if it were me, I'd be ordering a shipment of Gorton #2s.immediately. You might also want to get Gerry's book on venting as it is extremely useful when working on vents and steam traps and will save you a lot of time and guess work.

http://www.heatinghelp.com/products/Books/5/146/Balancing-Steam-Systems-Using-a-Vent-Capacity-Chart-by-Gerry-Gill-and-Steve-Pajek

-Rod