What am I looking at here? Two-pipe with radiator valves on both sides?

Ross_24

I'm in no way a steam expert like some of you here. What am I looking at? The radiators have valves on both sides and it's a two-pipe system.

They had poor heat last year. Did some quick testing. Removed plugged radiator vents and all the radiators heated up very nicely. Needs new main & rad vents all around the system, per usual, but what type of system is this? How does it function without traps?

Steamhead

This is a two-pipe, air-vent system. The main difference is that the return lines carry water only, not air. If there are vents on the return lines, remove them. Vent the heck out of the steam mains and use a Vaporstat to keep the pressure low, and it should work great.

See pages 228-229 of Lost Art for details.

Ross_24

Steamhead said:

This is a two-pipe, air-vent system. The main difference is that the return lines carry water only, not air. If there are vents on the return lines, remove them. Vent the heck out of the steam mains and use a Vaporstat to keep the pressure low, and it should work great.

See pages 228-229 of Lost Art for details.

Thanks! I happen to have the book right next to me. Appreciate the quick answer.

Steamhead

Glad to help.