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END OF MAIN AIR VENTS

Joe Jesse_2
Joe Jesse_2 Member Posts: 20
in Strictly Steam
In reviewing my system, a 400,000 btu boiler, I found that just ahead of the end of main air vents there are radiator vents installed instead of F&T traps. This seems to me that the air being vented would be severely restricted due to the small vent opening. This would also extend the time to fill the mains with steam. Am I thinking correctely and if so any suggestions on F&T traps. This is a 3 story house with 20 radiators. Thanks

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,531
    If there are end of main air vents --

    big ones -- the little radiator vents aren't doing much.  But something sounds a little like a late modification here.  It would help to know if there are dry returns on the system which extend to the ends of the mains, and if there are wet returns which also extend to the ends of the mains -- and, if so, if there are drips from the mains and the dry returns to the wet returns.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,323
    Depending on what system you have

    it might not need F&T traps. Post some pictures. 
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Joe Jesse_2
    Joe Jesse_2 Member Posts: 20
    END OF MAIN AIR VENTS

    This was definitely a late modification. I did it !!!   There are dry returns that are at the ends of the mains. At the end of the mains are the radiator vents and then Gorton #2 vents. These then drop to a floor level wet return. Also the condensed steam line is vented here and drops to the manifold  on the common wet return. Hope this answers all your questions.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,531
    Is there a possibility

    that where the radiator vents are now there were once crossover traps?  They look like ordinary radiator traps, but the piping is up from the steam main, the over to the trap inlet, then down from the trap outlet to the dry return.  They function in exactly the same way as main vents -- say Gorton #2 or the like -- in allowing air, but not steam, to escape from the main.  It then goes into the dry returns and is usually vented from them -- often and the boiler.  Any condensate is taken care of by the drips to the wet returns.  Works like a charm.



    And does not need an F&T!



    Do post pictures as Steamhead suggested...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Joe Jesse_2
    Joe Jesse_2 Member Posts: 20
    END OF MAIN AIR VENTS

    Will post pictures as soon as my son shows me how tonite.
  • Joe Jesse_2
    Joe Jesse_2 Member Posts: 20
    END OF MAIN AIR VENTS

    HERE ARE THE PICTURES YOU REQUESTED.
  • Joe Jesse_2
    Joe Jesse_2 Member Posts: 20
    end of main air vents

    are these pictures ok or do I need more?
  • Joe Jesse_2
    Joe Jesse_2 Member Posts: 20
    end of main air vents

    are these pictures ok, I will post more if needed

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