Steam Main

Bigbri0104

Hello Everyone,
My question pertains to piping a steam main in this fashion. Has anyone piped a steam in this configuration below because of obstacles in the basement? If so has it been effective?

Jamie Hall

No problem. Happens routinely. The only comment I have is "automatic air valve"? Please. It's a main vent, and needs to be sized accordingly -- lots of discussions on here about how big. Also, they shouldn't be sited as shown, on a T at the drip, but about a foot or two back up the main from the drip, and on a nice nipple, not directly sitting on the main.

AMservices

The diagram your looking at is an example of how you would need to run a long parallel flow main.

Say you have a building 400' long, with only 2' above "A" detention. By the time your main was at 240' you would have to drip the main and extend up to keep going

Danny Scully

Yea I agree with @AMservices, that’s not really a method to avoid obstructions. If that’s what you’re looking to do there are a few ways to accomplish this. Attached is a picture of what @EzzyT and I did to avoid a chimney cleanout.

ethicalpaul

I wish the installers of my system had done that so I wouldn't have to hit my head on the main all the time

Bigbri0104

Thanks for the comments everyone. I will attach pictures from my basement to give a better visual.

Steamhead

It's called a "Rise and Drip".

Bigbri0104

This message is in reference to Dan scully's picture of piping around and obstruction. The picture posted is a direct install from a specific page out of the "The lost art of steam heat."
That specific install would require a wet return install on the lower end of the "U" shape pipe correct?

ethicalpaul

Nope, the condensate flows along the bottom route, filling it and continuing to flow after the Tee. The steam of course takes the high road. Neither is impeded and no wet return is needed.

edit: I just noticed the cross piece in the lower right for cleaning out that bottom half, nice