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Gasteam radiator in a one pipe system

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MonasDad
MonasDad Member Posts: 11
in Strictly Steam
Hi -- So thanks to this forum I now know that I'm the owner of a Gasteam radiator! It's been repurposed as a steam radiator, and it does a great job at getting hot -- but it hisses throughout the boiler cycle. I've tried swapping out various air vents, always thinking that that was the problem, but because it's in the hallway of a small apartment building and not bothering anyone I just figured it's gonna do what it's gonna do. But now I think it's an issue in balancing my system.

Are these things ok to use as steam radiators? My thinking is there must be standing water in it (because there would have been as a gasteam radiator?) and it's causing wet steam so air vent won't shut. I can see water collect on top of the air vent (gorton) so it must be a wet steam issue? BTW it's on it's own 1 1/4" riser up two floors from the boiler...so pretty close to it as far as the whole system is concerned.


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  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,880
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    Sure it's not a leak at the supply valve? I see a lot of tracks from moisture on the pipe coming up from the floor. Sometimes all you need is to tighten the packing nut.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,540
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    The bottom portion of the Gasteam is filled with water. You’re passing steam over it. I imagine that can create some hissing noises. It’s like very hot wind blowing across a lake. (Ahh, poetry!)
    Retired and loving it.
    Hap_Hazzard
  • MonasDad
    MonasDad Member Posts: 11
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    @Steamhead
    Double checked and those must be old stains from a previous leak -- valve is dry and in good condition.

    @DanHolohan
    Since it always has water in the bottom portion, should I vent it slow so I can get more heat to the upper floors and ignore the hissing, or really fast in hopes the vent closes before things get swampy. I'd imagine the lake in the Gasteam is full of rust and mineral deposits.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,540
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    @MonasDad, I'd try both ways and see what works best. I've never seen Gasteam used this way so I can't say for sure.
    Retired and loving it.
    MonasDad
  • JohnNY
    JohnNY Member Posts: 3,231
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    Isn't that one of those radiators Jerry Seinfeld had in his apartment?
    Contact John "JohnNY" Cataneo, NYC Master Plumber, Lic 1784
    Consulting & Troubleshooting
    Heating in NYC or NJ.
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  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,880
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    JohnNY said:

    Isn't that one of those radiators Jerry Seinfeld had in his apartment?

    Yup.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,744
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    JohnNY said:

    Isn't that one of those radiators Jerry Seinfeld had in his apartment?

    Sally Buddy and Rob also had one in their office.

    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
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,540
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    I don't think Jerry's was hooked up to anything. Explains a lot, I suppose.
    Retired and loving it.
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,721
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    Why would you choose an extra large and heavy radiator to use as a prop?
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,744
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    mattmia2 said:

    Why would you choose an extra large and heavy radiator to use as a prop?

    They've probably been props for years, who knows why or where they came from.
    Forklifts don't know the difference between 300 pounds and 500 pounds.
    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

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