Here's my Trane

Dave_23

Why would placing the main vents at the end of the Main returns risk damaging them?

Craig_2

Here's my Trane....finally

First the boiler....
Obviously old...mains are insulated outside the boiler room...the second take-off is piped from a T....

The Main vents were replaced about 5 years ago...can't hear them venting...the company refused to move them away from the end of the main.....the second one (poor picture) is in a VERY tight spot

The other attachments are the return trap and two typical radiators. The system works well (~2 oz.) but could be improved I'm guessing.

-cf

Steamhead

That's older than the ones I've seen

but never fear, it's covered in Dan's "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" on pages 257-258.

What you call a Return Trap really isn't. There's no steam line going to it- just the dry returns. It's a Float Trap/Air Eliminator, or maybe just a separating chamber for returning water and air.

This system uses water seals instead of traps on the rads. On page 257 of Lost Art, you'll see how the return ells have small holes drilled into them- one wide open for air, the other under water for water. If you ever add onto this system, use traps on the rad returns.

At least one of your main vents looks like it's leaking- the green one- and the other is likely too small. Measure the length and diameter of your mains to see how much air we have to vent. I like to use Gorton #2 vents on Vapor systems since they have higher capacities than anything else out there. I'd definitely change the vent on the Float Trap/air eliminator to a Gorton #2. If you can't find Gorton vents in your area, go to www.gorton-valves.com and they will steer you to someone near you who carries them, or if no one does they will sell them to you direct.

BTW- is that an old Ideal Sectional boiler?

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Craig_2

Excellent advice....

concerning the vents. My mistake on mis-naming the Float Trap/Air Eliminator. I've read the "Lost Art", just couldn't come up with the right lexicon.

The vents were replaced about 6 years ago. I still have them. Two are broken, one, miraculously appears to still function. I'm afraid the vents will keep breaking since they're on the very ends of the mains. The little silver one is a "HM 4A main vent" I believe. There is VERY little vertical space for the vent. A "HM 75" wouldn't fit. The green ones are the HM 75's but you probably knew that already.

I'll measure tonight.

-cf

Unknown

Vapor system

If you operate at 2 OZ> steam pressure and the house heats O.K. and your only issue is vent valves you do not have a problem.

You will not get more efficient or lower the fuel bill.

You can get more creative with the vent valves.

The Hoffman 75 can be replaced with two Gorton # 1 valves and air release would quadruple.

As to other vent valves that do not fit because of space avilibility you can move the location of the vents by using short nipples, 45 degree elbows and elbows.

If worst omes to worse you decrease the size of the tapping to 1/4" and install Gorton D valves, they come in straight or angle pattern.


Jake

Craig_2

Re: Main vent locations

According to "The Lost Art..." they should be 12" from the ends of the main and on a 6" nipple.

They are supposed to close when the steam hits them and putting them on the very ends of the main exposes them to turbulance which causes them to fail.

-cf

Craig_2

Re: Vapor system

Thanks for the reassurance. I was thinking I might get heat faster after the boiler fires and increase the comfort level. Was also thinking the boiler might not fire as long and I could save a little on gas. Replacing the boiler with something more effecient is where I should spend my energies I guess.

-cf