Efficiency of Steam System Part 2

Prospect_Handy_Man

I figured I would start a new thread, the old one was a lot to read through. There are pictures and some more info of the system in the old thread, which is:



<a href="http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/144883/Efficiency-of-Steam-System">http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/144883/Efficiency-of-Steam-System</a>



Thanks to the fine people here, I have just finished replacing all the guts in my old Warren Webster radiator traps with new Tunstall capsules, and got $25 for every trap I rebuilt from national grid :). The heating in the building is better, but still not heating perfectly. A few questions: Is it ok to remove the old capped pipes that come of the main, where some radiators were removed from the system many years ago. Also I believe the return lines have never been flushed in this 2 pipe system and I believe some portions may be clogged. How should I go about doing that? I'll give you the main steam line specs, but would it be better to put some Hoffman 8C traps on the end of my mains rather than using traditional steam vents, and if so, how many? Any help would be greatly appreciated.The first main comes off the header and runs a 4-in pipe for 75 feet, the pipe then reduces to 3-in and runs for an additional 72 feet to the end. The second main comes off the header and runs 4-in pipe for 82 feet, the pipe then reduces to 3-in and runs for an additional 52 feet, it reduces again to 1 1/2-in and runs for 20 feet to the end. FYI Steam almost never reaches the end of the second main where it runs into the dry return. Second main is where the heating issues are still occurring. I believe it is at least partially due to a clogged return line somewhere, and lack of venting.



The return line does run next to the steam main around the building. As far as I have seen so far, the steam main only runs into the wet return. I have not seen it connected to the dry return anywhere. There is a vent on the old return trap in the boiler room. Just a marble type vent that allows air to escape from the lines when the steam is traveling. But as far as I know, all the air is being pushed through the radiators and into the return and venting like that through the return trap for now. By adding vents to the ends of my steam main, it should allow the air to fill the main lines faster and heat more evenly. I just need to know haw many Hoffman 8C traps I should use on each main. Remember that this system was changed in the past and someone could have removed vents that were once present.

Prospect_Handy_Man

Steam Expert?

Also does anyone know of a good steam expert in the Herkimer, NY area? Zip code 13350, it's not far from Utica, NY. It would be nice to go over this system with someone who really know all the ins and outs of steam

Steamhead

For crossover traps

I like to use Barnes & Jones #122 traps- they have very good air-venting throughput, better than the 8C I believe.



I've been known to do some out-of-town consulting, but given our schedule it would have to wait till spring..............

Prospect_Handy_Man

That would be an honor

Steamhead, if you would contact me, I would love to have someone like yourself come out to take a look at what we have here, even in the spring. My e-mail is bolsillos5624@hotmail.com. We can work out any details through e-mail. Just give me a shout. Thanks!