Ventrite #2

Barbara

I have a very well-balanced and reliable one-pipe steam system with mostly Ventrite #2 and a few Hoffman #1A air vents. Some of the vents need replacement. Boiling in vinegar is not working as it has in the past. The Ventrite #2 is not adjustable - is it a fast or slow vent? Do you have suggestions as to good vent replacements? Why would one use non-adjustable vents in a single family home when adjustable vents are available? thanks

Steamhead

Vent-Rite #2

is a vacuum-type vent. These were very popular up to the 1950s since they worked very well with a coal-fired system. But they are problematic on oil or gas, since the system may go into vacuum before all the air is out. If this happens, the air can expand and block the flow of steam.

Since the VR-2 vents are wearing out, the best course of action would be to retire them. Vacuum radiator vents are no longer made. The Hoffman #1A, being adjustable, is a good choice for replacement. Dole also makes a #1A adjustable vent, and Vent-Rite's is the #1.

Also check the vents at the ends of your steam mains. If these are too small or if you don't have any, install new ones. Main vents save fuel and are the basis for system balance. Their job is to let all the air out of the main in about a minute, measured from the time the boiler starts producing steam. This gets the steam to all the radiator takeoffs at about the same time. From there, the radiator vents only have to deal with the air in the radiators they serve.

If you measure the length and diameter of your steam mains, and tell us what vents are on them, we can tell you what you need. If there are none, you will want to get a pro to install them.





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