Unusual 2-pipe Steam System

Steamhead

This system appears to have started life as one-pipe, and was converted to 2-pipe or Vapor. Original radiators are American Peerless steam-only column units. Here's one of them- note the inlet pipe which is larger than needed for Vapor, but just right for one-pipe.

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Steamhead

Boiler and piping

You can see the dry returns coming back to the boiler. The return vents are just to the rear of the ceiling light bulb on the right. I installed two Gorton #2s. There's also a False Water Line in back of the boiler, but you can't see it.

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Steamhead

Main Problem

was right here. Someone had plugged the vent connection on the steam main. I had to cut the plug out. Amazing what a difference these two Gorton #2 vents made.

I'm not sure what, if anything, is supposed to be keeping steam out of the dry return on this one. I was going to disconnect a radiator to see, but ran out of time. But we'll be back- one radiator doesn't heat at all and I think the problem is in the runout or riser.

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Bob W._2

Hope this isn't a dumb question...

That rad is bottom manifold only. Does that kind work well with two pipe steam?

Gordo

false water line

Hey steamhead, Hi! Got any pics of the false water line on this system? Oh, by the way, who stocks vaporstats in the Balto. area? Thanks!

Steamhead

It can

That's one of the things that makes me think this system was originally 1-pipe. 2-pipe air-vent systems frequently used the steam-only rad but Vapor systems generally used the hot-water type. You got better control when the rad heated from top to bottom instead of side to side.

This is a fascinating system. Trying to decipher the changes made over the years is challenging. I'll post updates as they happen.

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Steamhead

Couldn't get a good angle

but I'll have the owners make some room next time!

R.E. Michel carries Vaporstats but you have to go to the Glen Burnie warehouse or have them ship it to your usual store. Try Bob Yates at McArdle & Walsh, and tell him I sent you. He can get Gortons too.

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Unknown

Vapor System?

Hi Steam Head

Vapor systems come in many styles.

What you have there could be an original vapor system not a conversion.

I have seen some cheepies in real old buildings. The tip of is a large radiator with a small return. The return is 1/2" or 3/4" pipe. The systems usuall ran at about a 1/4 PSIG.

By the time steam reached the discharge of the radiator there was no pressure.

The vent was probably plugged because the system was set to operate on pressure. Because the return pressurized vent valve life was shortened. (Fast moving steam pushing the condensate to end of the dry return).

These cheepie systems worked many years without ever having a problem. The problems started with guys using screw drivers and changing vapor stats tha read in inches to vapor stats reading in pounds.

Remember some systems need only 1/8 PSIG to heat a building.

If the building is small and has large pipe or a large building with piping that looks like it can supply an apartmen house you found a real vapor system.


Jake