Getting creative with main vents

dylanbiasutto

Hey there! So!

I have a Weil McLane boiler and A one pipe steam system. I figured a Gorton 1 would be plenty on each line BUT. The one on my longer run didn't make it through the winter (it hit -50 here, it got STRESSED). So I'm looking at possibly running a "tee". I add quotes because the valve is right up against a beam. Can I branch off to the left then add the tee? Or will that corner make it useless?

(Also please ignore the silicone on the pipe. Thats 3/8 pipe and I'm going to tap in an actual size that's relevant these days in the spring. Just had to fix A leak!) 

Jamie Hall

No problem with the setup you sketch. The only caution is to make sure the it can drain back -- ideally it will pitch back, but keep it no worse than level.

Steamhead

How about using a couple 45° elbows further down, and suitable nipples to angle it over? That's what I'd do.......

Also, how long are those mains and what pipe size? A Gorton #2 would be simpler to install than several #1s on tees.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Also those vents are at the end of the mains. Ideally they should be 18" back from the end of the main to avoid water hammer. If your going to change things this summer you may want to consider fixing that

-50? I don't want any part of that

dylanbiasutto

@Steamhead I would ideally go to A #2 but they are impossible to find and get to Canada for less than $200-$250 at this point. I can't find any!

@EBEBRATT-Ed
That's hopefully the plan. These old pipes are a real tricky set up. When I get home I'll send a picture of the whole set up!

dylanbiasutto

Here are some images of my sysyem
 Please don't tell me it's completely wrong!
As for moving the mains, where would I have to put them with my set up?

Also my long run is like 658 inches around. Big house!stem
 P

mattmia2

the near boiler piping is wrong. the 2 risers should connect before the main connects, there should be a swing joint between the 2 risers and the header so it can expand and contract independently of the boiler sections, the equalizer should connect on the end after the main so steam goes up the main and water past and down the equalizer. the steam piping shouldn't be copper, and the distance between the water line and the header looks like it may not be enough.

You could probably shorten the nipple at the vents and get enough clearance for a tee without offsetting.

Canucker

mattmia2 said:

the near boiler piping is wrong. the 2 risers should connect before the main connects, there should be a swing joint between the 2 risers and the header so it can expand and contract independently of the boiler sections, the equalizer should connect on the end after the main so steam goes up the main and water past and down the equalizer. the steam piping shouldn't be copper, and the distance between the water line and the header looks like it may not be enough. You could probably shorten the nipple at the vents and get enough clearance for a tee without offsetting.

I have a feeling that unless he's going to do it himself, it's not going to happen. Not a lot of steam systems where it hits -50C (North of Winnipeg?) Good luck finding a tech that understands how water works, let alone steam.