yet another question about main venting capacity

curious_just

I ordered Dan's book from the library (trying to save $ for the vents) but there seems to be quite a waiting list.



I have a single pipe steam boiler system. Not very larger really, about 12' x 11' (twice, for 46' total) of 2" main piping under the ceiling of my basement, which supports 7 radiators (2 floors) plus some baseboard in my bathroom.



There is just a single main vent just at the top of the wet return. It was a Vent Rite #1 (1/8" connection) that spit alot of water until I joined this forum, removed the bushing, installed some horizontal and vertical nipples and a Gorton D.



I'm wondering if I need to add another vent - the change in vent has reduced the high reading on my boiler considerabiy but I wonder if the addition of another vent would do even more.



Trouble is, I was able to remove only a bushing and an elbow on the old piping. Doing this, instead of 1/8", I've gotten the pipe size up to 1/4", but that obviously isn't much of an improvement. I would love to remove another bushing and expose some 1/2" pipe, but that final bushing won't budge.



I also worry that adding small pipe vertical and horizontal runs is creating more places for steam to condense - would using brass improve things since it may heat up faster?

Hap_Hazzard

Venting

If brass heats up faster it would do so by condensing steam more rapidly, but I really don't think there's be a significant difference at this scale. I'd use whatever you can find in the appropriate size for the least money.



It's worth trying to get the bushing out, because then you'll be able to build an antler to add as many 1/2" vents as you like. The Gorton #1 is a popular main vent that has a 3/4" male thread and a 1/2" female thread.

Steamhead

Is that 46 feet total

from start to finish, or is it split into two separate mains?