Historic Renovation P2-Paul Pollets

Paul Pollets

Last month we removed a 95yo cast iron gravity monster and just finished the retrofit with a Viessman RN280 staged boiler and 92g VitoCell indirect DHW. This restored home was the Japanese Consulate prior to WWII. This will probably be the last of the RN2 series we'll install, as Vitogas GS series has replaced the RN line. I'll miss the integral positive seal vent damper that holds all the heat within the casting.
The cast iron ornate American roccoco radiators have been retrofited with Oventrop angle valves and TRV heads in Charcoal color. The nickle plating on the valves was removed by sandblasting and rough polished to keep the "look". The valves are actually metric and were fitted on the American pipe threads using "Rorke's Rule". You have to know Chris Rorke to learn how to do it. I was skeptical, but can attest to the method.
The piping details the 3 multi temp zones used to heat the residence. High temp zone for (3)toe kick convectors, Mixed zone using a 4 way modulated valve for the cast iron rads, and a subzone off the 4way for a staple-up application under 3 rooms. Yes, we use transfer plates.
The piping detail is straight out of the Viessmann schematics. We also use Danfoss or Ovcntrop pressure bypass differential bypass on each pump.

<A HREF="http://www.heatinghelp.com/getListed.cfm?id=104&Step=30">To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"</A>

Paul Pollets

Last month we removed a 95yo cast iron gravity monster and just finished the retrofit with a Viessman RN280 staged boiler and 92g VitoCell indirect DHW. This restored home was the Japanese Consulate prior to WWII. This will probably be the last of the RN2 series we'll install, as Vitogas GS series has replaced the RN line. I'll miss the integral positive seal vent damper that holds all the heat within the casting.
The cast iron ornate American roccoco radiators have been retrofited with Oventrop angle valves and TRV heads in Charcoal color. The nickle plating on the valves was removed by sandblasting and rough polished to keep the "look". The valves are actually metric and were fitted on the American pipe threads using "Rorke's Rule". You have to know Chris Rorke to learn how to do it. I was skeptical, but can attest to the method.
The piping details the 3 multi temp zones used to heat the residence. High temp zone for (3)toe kick convectors, Mixed zone using a 4 way modulated valve for the cast iron rads, and a subzone off the 4way for a staple-up application under 3 rooms. Yes, we use transfer plates.
The piping detail is straight out of the Viessmann schematics. We also use Danfoss or Ovcntrop pressure bypass differential valves on each pump.
Let's see if all the pics make it to the post.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Andy N.

great work

another great job. Why did viessman discontinue the RN2 series boiler? does the vitogas have a comparable efficiency rating? One last question..what is the rorke rule?

keep posting those great pictures.

Andy

Paul Pollets

Rorke's Rule

Rorke's Rule involves using a special Australian teflon tape, (Kanga Tape) rather than hemp, in sealing the straight metric threads in a tapered fitting. I'm not supposed to reveal the actual method unless a large order for Oventrop TRV valves, or other hydronic specialties, is placed at Blueline Supply in Jackson Hole, WY. Or, unless you know the secret handshake.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Joel_3

Paul

Wow nice job . the boiler end is pretty straight forward and neat. but could you please post a picture of those valves??? i've never thought of blasting the coating off of them. Are the heads white or grey? if grey did you special order them or paint them or something???

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

ScottMP

sweet job

Really nice Paul. I like the charcoal grey Heads. Nobody told ME they came in different colors. It keeps it fun when you get jobs like this. Great work

Scott

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Joel_3

sorry

i don't have much time on the new wall and didn't notice you had them attatchted at the bottom!

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

hr

Questions Paul

I wondering about the check valves? Looks likes one near the 4 way and one on a bypass between the two low temperature zones. I hadn't seen this arrangment before, something new?
Nice work and a great solution to a unique job.

hot rod

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Paul Pollets

Check valves

Viessmann recommends swing checks on the supply to the 4 way and 3 way when using the sub zone off the 4way. It's weird and opposite what we normally do, but the checks have a larger Cv and make no noise. I talked to a German fitter about the method, and he verified it was a common piping method. I've also seen Viessmann use swing checks in the vertical position. In fact, the showroom boilers installed in the Surrey, BC warehouse commonly use swings on the vertical supply. This is the 4th time I've used the piping detail and I like it's ease of control for the lower temp circuit for the staple-up. The Viessmann piping schematics come in the technical binder. Or CD if you know someone.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Dave Yates (PAH)

Paul

Very nice work! I sure would like to get my hands on those pipng schematics (hint, hint).
Dave

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Paul Pollets

Thanks

Thanks Dave, here's your local Viessmann rep... ask him for the tech binder and catalogue binder:

Vernon Bitzer Associates, Inc.
138 Railroad Drive
Northampton Industrial Park
Ivyland, PA
18974, USA
Tel: (215) 953-1400
Fax: (215) 953-1250
Email: vernonbitzer@gateway.net



To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Steamhead

The Column radiator is a Rococo

the other two are Verona Flue radiators I believe. All are Gorgeous! Thanks for saving another houseful of these beauties.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Not Verona

I have one in the basement and neighbor has a houseful. They have little cherub heads at the top corners, though they do have the solid end sections. Loaned out "EDR" so I can't look for it now.

Mark Eatherton1

Noice work mait...

That's what Chris Rourke would say. Have you ever installed a TRV with the sensor head so close to the radiation before? I know Danfoss recommends against it. I've personally never done it that way but can see how it could cause the valve to close sooner than it should. But, just when you think you know what you're doing, someone or a company pops up and does it against the grain and it works just fine!! Whooda thunk??

Nice work as usual Paul, keep raising the bar.

ME

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Paul Pollets

TRV's

Say Mark, you're not the first to mention the TRV position. Many Euro rads have bungs for the direct connection of the TRV (i.e. Buderus)I'll have to ask Mr. Bean why the caution?? I've never had a problem with locating TRV's on the top, bottom or sides with HW systems. It's steam rads & TRV's that the cautionary note advises.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

John@Reliable

Was that table nice to play on?
Very nice job!

Paul Pollets

Rack 'em up

I'll fill & fire the system this week. Then we'll shoot some pool.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"