Branch off Steam Main

ed broderick

Mom's recent addition will require additional heat to her one pipe steam system. My question is how many feet can you run a branch circuit 1 1/4 in. from the 2 in Main? I suspect a return line will be needed to this new branch or do I need to add another 2 inch Main off the boiler with a vented return. Comments and suggestions from the steam guru's would be appreciated. All advice is appreciated.

Unknown

Branches

Normally, they tried to keep all of the horizontal run-outs the same length by running the main close to the radiators. This was so that they all would get hot together, in the same length of time. This helps in the shoulder seasons when the cycle length is short, as long run-outs would still be filling when the thermostat satisfies. Cold rooms result.

That 2 " main might be carrying all of the load it can carry already, or it might have room for more steam to feed that radiator. Counting up the load that it carries already will tell you.

Running a new pipe, that is sized for the load and flow direction of the condensate, and vented to match the other main's vent time, might be the best solution.

Try to keep the new run-out the same length as the others, from the new main.

Noel

ed broderick_2

steam branches

Thanks Noel: Your advice is logical and helpful. When asking around, many folks think steam went away along with the locomotive. The boiler is fine and can handle the additional load. Thank you again