Replacing steam finned convectors

JHeinz

I’d like to replace some leaking 2 pipe Trane finned steam elements. Replacements will be fabricated with the same dimensions, but I’m uncertain of what the tubing material should be made of. The existing tubing material, doesn’t look like copper, but isn’t magnetic. One manufacturer uses copper tubing for both hydronic and steam applications. Another can make the element out of steel or copper tubing, but says steel is “better for steam”. Appreciate any input

EBEBRATT-Ed

Copper has been used for years for steam coils etc. If the mfg. wants to use steel, I would go in that direction unless the pricing is out of wack

JHeinz

A very old post offered that finned copper tubing was meant for hydronic, and is noisy forever with steam? Any input appreciated-

EBEBRATT-Ed

If you have any concerns steel is probably the best choice but will work if installed right.

JHeinz

Thanks, Ed. I’m planning to replace 3 Trane convectors (& Trane B1 traps). Upon closer inspection, the existing convector tubes are copper, with cast iron ends. I read (from a 2018 post) that there was an orifice built into the Trane cast end. I have no information on whether all the vintage Tranes have a built in orifice, what size it was, or how to seat a replacement orifice on the supply side. Are any current convectors made with an orifice built in after the (supply) inlet ?
Or, can I just install new convectors with similar dimensions & new traps?

I was determining the (3) replacement convector lengths by measuring between the existing Trane cast iron top plugs (that are inline with the supply line and return line above elbow to trap). A couple of these measurements are .5” longer than standard replacement lengths.
( Pics attached)

TwoTones

I had the same issue with a large convector, one pipe steam.  Was a unique convector made of thick heavy steel fins with 4 tubes, very heavy, a pair of parallel tubes on top and bottom but the cabinet is not deep.  Closest I could find was a double tube pressed steel convector with cast iron headers from Governale in Brooklyn, NY.  

     The old convector stayed hot a lot longer than this new convector bc of its mass, but I could not find a four tube tall convector that fits this shallow cabinet.  Despite this the new convector works great for my needs, it is in same room as thermostat and heats quickly so that offsets any loss from it cooling quickly.  They have a larger convector that looks identical to what you are replacing made out of steel.   I highly recommend it for you. They also make copper and cast iron.  The cast iron would stay hotter for longer , copper will cool way too quickly for steam…

     

EBEBRATT-Ed

@JHeinz

If the measurements are close and you can get it in the cabinet I doubt you will notice any difference.

As far as the orifice goes I would just make sure the trap works and you should be fine. Worst case you could install an orifice between the inlet valve and its union. Some on here do that all the time with CI radiation.

mattmia2

I'm not sure the mass makes as much of a difference in a convector. the convection is going to take most of the heat out of it pretty quickly and once there is no longer enough heat for much convection there is not going to be a lot of heat coming out of it.

JHeinz

Thanks for all the input.
Anyone know the “A” dimension of an old Trane B1 angle trap?

EBEBRATT-Ed

@JHeinz

what do you mean by "A" dimension

JHeinz

JHeinz

“A” dimension (in pic) of a 1/2” Trane B1 angle trap?