How can I test my main vents?

wanttolearn

Hi-

I have a basic question:  I recently installed Gorton #2 vents on both my main vents in a "antler" setup as shown on this website.

I cant say that I have seen a huge improvement in my steam system, so I would like to know, is there a way I can test the Gorton's to make sure they are installed properly and working properly?  Should I expect to hear air pushing out of them, or are there any other basic ways of making sure that they are doing their job.?

If I hold my hand to their opening, should I expect to feel air pushing out?

I have not watched them closely, but I do not recall having heard air streaming our of them during the purging phase of the steam cycle.

Thanks for your help.

Steve_175

evidence

You shouldn't see or hear anything, the boiler would drown out what little noise they may make. After the boiler has started running a few minutes put your finger over the hole located at the top. You should be able to feel small amounts of air coming out.

The vents alone wont necessarily be a magic bullet to fix what ails your boiler. Remember it is a heating 'SYSTEM' and has many parts and details that all have to be done correctly to get the maximum potential from it. It is kind of like giving your car a tune up. Inflating the tires helps a little, as does changing the oil, the air filter etc.

Are all your pipes insulated? Where is your Ptrol set at? Has the boiler been skimmed, and/or does the water in the site glass look clean?

In tweaking my new boiler the additional vents helped but surprisingly the biggest improvement happened when I skimmed the boiler clean.

Rod

Steam Burns!

I wouldn't test a steam orifice by holding my hand in the air/steam stream. Live steam can give you a really bad burn! Use a strip of paper and holding one end, move the other end of the strip into the air/steam stream to check for movement.

- Rod

jpf321

perhaps a match, lighter, candle

will be more telling. 

Dave in QCA

OH, don't be such a wimp!

Heck, I just hold my hand by the outlet of the vent.  If steam comes out, I move my hand. 



Steam + Dave's hand = VERY fast reflexes!



Hey, kidding!  I think that either the tissue paper or a match flame idea is good.

crash2009

I did an open/close test before I installed them

  Hold the vent exactly verticle upright and blow into it with your mouth.  The vent should allow the air to pass.  Then turn it upside down, holding it exactly verticle, and blow into it again.  When upside down it will not allow air to pass.

There is another way to test without taking them off.  Shut the boiler off and wait for the vents to cool.  Turn the boiler back on, and place your hand on the vent.  If the vent heats up, its working.  Depending on your system, you may have to wait 5 or 10 minutes for it to get hot.  Write down the amount of time it takes to get hot.  Mine are predictable, they get hot in 6 minutes every time.  Thats how I know mine are working.  If mine doesn't get hot in 6 minutes, or never cool off, something is wrong.   Yours may take a longer or shorter amount of time.

Gerry Gill cut one of these things open and explains how they work in a videohttp://www.gwgillplumbingandheating.com/webapp/GetPage?pid=610