Hot water cast iron radiators

Joe Cazares

How do I determine Proper GPM flow to a water cast iron radiator?
There are no flow control valves and are very noisy. All radiators are sectional. EaCH SECTION MEASURES 1"x8"x30".
One radiator has 28 sections,
another has 20 sections,
and another has 5 sections, small room.
Is there a formula I can use to determine how many GPM of 180F degree water should flow through these radiators?
I want to install a GRISWOLD or B&G fixed setting flow contol valve.
Thanks Joe C.

Dale

the edr

You need to look at an edr chart, available from Dan's books on the left and figure 170 btu for each sq. foot of edr. then look at the flow rate on the pipe size at 20 delta t and be well below the max. Noise is often an air problem but if it isn't air a thermostat rad valve would make a nice way to reduce flow velocity in the rad itself.

Steamhead

Joe, I would also

do a full heat-loss calculation on your house. Maybe you don't need to heat the water all the way to 180 any more. Those big radiators may be too big if you've tightened up your house, but you can run them with cooler water to compensate.



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