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need info on two pipe system

Buster
Buster Member Posts: 36
in Strictly Steam
We are looking at a job for boiler replacement and the radiators have no traps. I am trying to find info on what type of system this is and what is being used to keep the stem out of the returns. There is a modern "Main Vent" in the main return and the returns are above the water line. there is no specific devices in the piping around the boiler in the returns.

Any help I can get is greatly appreciated

Comments

  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,489
    Have you checked for orifices in the supply or the return of the radiators?

    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • Buster
    Buster Member Posts: 36
    We have not taken anything apart yet
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,988
    I can't tell you what system that is. With any kind of luck @Steamhead will chime in and give it to you...

    But...

    I'd be mightily surprised if those outlet valves weren't meant to be adjustable, and act as outlet orifices. Which would suggest that it's a vapour system, and that it's meant to operate on a few ounces of pressure. If I'm right, the adjustment is actually quite straightforward -- they need to be set so that the radiator heats across, but the outlet does not get hot!
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,183
    It's a Moline. I don't think anyone else used those lock-shield return shutoffs.

    See chapter 15 of "The Lost Art of Steam heating" for details.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,988
    I thought you'd know. Are they adjustable? I'd go find my copy of Lost Art, but I'm too lazy right now...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,183
    No. The only reason for them is to allow the return to be shut off if a radiator needs to be removed.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,988
    Oh well. It was a nice idea...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Buster
    Buster Member Posts: 36
    Thanks for the help!
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,578
    Probably, an adjustable valve or an office on the return would not work as well as on the supply for each radiator.
    This is where a vacuum system might really shine, as there would be little or no air to push out of the way, giving a quick response.--NBC

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