counter flow with parallel flow/ can it be done?

newagedawn

he guys installing a 1 pipe steamer, after looking over the system, i am deciding to cut out the extra 40 feet of return to the boiler its only 10 ft away from the main and make one radiator counter flow and the other 2 rads keeping parallel flow. the counter flow does have the pitch and pipe size to handle the load, QUESTION should i pipe the counter flow to the header or into the return side of the equalizer like it normally is in a counter flow, all opinions welcome

MilanD

As long as it's to spec, you can mix and match parallel a d counterflow. I have that same setup. Just make sure it drips to return somewhere before the header.

clammy

I have a few counter flow under my belt and have found the easiest and fool proof no issue way of piping them .I do a drop headed for starters .On the existing main i put a elbow facing down with a tee on the bull side i attach my supply off the drop header the run side of the tee i drop down to well below the boilers return inlet and usually will downsize the drip with a reducing coupling never a bushing .I do this for however many counter flow mains there are .i drop them all down lower tie them together and pipe them back into the hartford loop .I ve used this method for many years where i got it from i have forgotten but i ve had fanastic luck w it much better then other methods i have used .I would caution that most counter flows don t like high pressure or wet steam and uninsulated piping in cold ambients but what steam system likes any of that .A small main vent at the end of the line will ease your rad vents work load and usually on counter flow its a 1/2 per ft pitch .Peace and good luck clammy

EBEBRATT-Ed

The water has to have a way to get back to the boiler and can't come back into the header. Drip the counter flow into another return near the boiler.

You can pretty much mix and match anything and make it work as long as pipe sizes and pitch are correct.

I have a job where 1/2 the building is 1 pipe and the other half is 2 pipe. Works like a champ

Danny Scully

I did this one about a month back if it helps for reference @newagedawn. It’s for 1 radiator.

MarkS

My home has three parallel flow and one counterflow main, so yes it can be done.