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L.P. Best Res and Garage - Vacuo-Vapor System

Dave in QCA
Dave in QCA Member Posts: 1,788
in Strictly Steam
I have been collecting and studying publications by the C.A. Dunham Company.  Yesterday a new purchase arrived.  It is entitled, Dunham Vacuo-Vapor System of Heating and was published in May, 1911.  Since the date of publication was so close to the construction of our property, 1909-1910, I thought the information contained in the publication might provide particular insight to the original design and setup of our Dunham system.  Imagine my surprise when I eagerly started reading the book; got to page 20, and there right at the top of the page was a photo of the Best residence.  Apparently the photo was taken early in 1910 because the garage is not yet stuccoed and the archway, which houses the steam main leading to the garage has not yet been constructed.



I will be scanning the book in its entirety and sending it to Dan for the Library.



This thread relates to old thread on The Best Heating System, <a href="http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/131216/The-Best-Heating-System">http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/131216/The-Best-Heating-System</a>   

and, Boiler replacement at Best Mansion, <a href="http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/143629/New-Boiler-at-the-Best-Mansion">http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/143629/New-Boiler-at-the-Best-Mansion</a> 



I suspect that there were problems with the Vacuo-Vapor apparatus.  It required a precise boiler water level, and if the boiler was slightly overfilled, or under-filled, it would have greatly affected the operation of the system.  Within a few years, Dunham had developed several other vapor and vacuum systems and Vacuo-Vapor was no longer offered.  I suspect that our system may have had a vacuum pump attached when the vacuo-vapor apparatus was removed.
Dave in Quad Cities, America
Weil-McLain 680 with Riello 2-stage burner, December 2012. Firing rate=375MBH Low, 690MBH Hi.
System = Early Dunham 2-pipe Vacuo-Vapor (inlet and outlet both at bottom of radiators) Traps are Dunham #2 rebuilt w. Barnes-Jones Cage Units, Dunham-Bush 1E, Mepco 1E, and Armstrong TS-2. All valves haveTunstall orifices sized at 8 oz.
Current connected load EDR= 1,259 sq ft, Original system EDR = 2,100 sq ft Vaporstat, 13 oz cutout, 4 oz cutin - Temp. control Tekmar 279.
http://grandviewdavenport.com

Comments

  • gerry gill
    gerry gill Member Posts: 3,078
    Thats a heck of a house.

    I like the brick street in front also..is the whole neighborhood like that?
    gwgillplumbingandheating.com
    Serving Cleveland's eastern suburbs from Cleveland Heights down to Cuyahoga Falls.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,314
    I have that book!

    not sure if it's the same edition and I can't find it quickly.... but when I do I'll see if your house is in there. 
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
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