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Cast iron radiator piping

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DBSJr
DBSJr Member Posts: 4
in Strictly Steam
I have a project where due to space constraints the contractor wants to put the steam supply and condensate return on the same end of the radiator. It doesn't feel right but I'm looking for a reason why it is or is not ok. If the radiator is pitched toward the condensate return, will it matter? will it increase the likelihood of steam hammer orthe radiator getting air bound? Since the radiator will be pitched toward the steam supply also, do I have to worry about getting condensate in my steam supply and a resulting steam hammer issue?

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  • Jason_13
    Jason_13 Member Posts: 304
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    Not sure but I would think since it is steam it would not be a problem as long as the condensate can move out. The steam should work it's way to the steam vent.
    I would wait for another response as again I am not sure. If it was water definitely do not do.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,843
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    If this is a Vapor system, that should work fine. Some pics of other radiators in the building should tell us.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,324
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    There are a number of radiators on the system I care for set up that way -- as long as the radiator has a slight pitch to the outlet, you should be just fine.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • DBSJr
    DBSJr Member Posts: 4
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    Thanks everyone. It is actually a gravity return system in an old building in NYC
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,324
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    Gravity hot water? That will work too.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,706
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    Jamie Hall said:

    Gravity hot water? That will work too.

    Gravity return, steam.

    No pumps, I guess.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • gerry gill
    gerry gill Member Posts: 3,078
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    the rule is that as long as the radiator is not over 3 times as wide as its height you can pipe the steam and return on the same side. Once the radiator is three times as long as it is tall you must use opposite sides.
    gwgillplumbingandheating.com
    Serving Cleveland's eastern suburbs from Cleveland Heights down to Cuyahoga Falls.

    LionA29
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,324
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    I know that's the rule, @gerry gill , but I have a couple which are way out beyond that -- and they still work just fine.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England

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