Moline Steam System Conversion

Ken_8

You have in your hands one of the finest vapor steam systems on the planet.

Parts are not only available, but to contemplate junking the design borders on shooting one's self in the foot. Many of us here work on and restore these systems. Not for some ritualistic sense of historical preservation - but because they are known to be the best, most comfortable and among the most "state of the art" steam heating systems money can buy.

The reason you don't see them anymore is because they would be too expensive to install. The efficiency and fuel savings inherent in these vapor types is legendary and rightfully so.

If it's blown, it's blown; but the cost to restore it would likely be far less than replacement!

Plug in your zip code into the "Find A Contractor" data base near the top left "index box" and see who's in the area.

Most of the Moline's are screwed up by idiots that wouldn't know a vapor system from a sweet potato. I urge you not to throw the towel in quite yet. You just need the "right" contractor.

This is the place to find him.

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Roger Hagerstrom

Moline Steam System Conversion

I am looking for information as to how to convert a Moline two pipe steam heating system into a conventional system (since many of the parts are no longer on-site or intact). Does anyone have any suggestions on how to convert this type of system?

Boilerpro_3

I am looking to convert conventional systems to Moline types!

You can't find much better! The only thing different to do now, typically, is not operate at a vacumn, due to how newer boielr act in these systems.
There are severa people looking at redeveloping and using the same concepts on Moline systems for other two pipe and one pipe systems. Converting would be a step backwards.

Boilerpro

Steamhead

Listen to Ken and Boilerpro

they said it as well as I could hope to.

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Roger Hagerstrom

Let's rephrase this topic

Now that we have determined that this is a wonderful way to heat (in which I will not refute), I would love to get this system fully operational. One of the difficulties being, is that all of the system components are not there. We do indeed have all of the proportional steam suupply valves intact, as well as all of the specialty retrun valves. BUT we no loonger have an INTACT moline air trap (in which unless I am mistaken, the system will not perform all to well without). Looking for constructive suggestions as to how to make this operational without becoming the eternal red headed step child shoving a stick in my unmeantionables. Thanks everyone.

Steamhead

The Moline Air Trap

was a glorified main vent. It did the job of letting the air out but closing against steam. At the outlet of the Air Trap was a vacuum valve that would let air exit the system but not let it back in. With coal firing, this let you continue to produce steam at lower temperatures as the fire burned down.

With oil or gas firing this doesn't work too well. The best bet is to eliminate the vacuum valve, but keep the air trap if it still works. Use a Vaporstat to control the boiler pressure and let her rip. If the lack of a vacuum valve is what you mean by not having an intact air trap assembly, and the air trap works, you should be OK.

If the air trap is not working at all, a high-capacity main vent like the Gorton #2 will work very well.

If you're missing the Ejector, it should be possible to build one out of pipe fittings.

Boilerpro has had much more experience with Molines than I have. Anything to add, BP?

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Boilerpro_3

Just a little

Is the condensing pipe or radiator still there connected to the outlet of the ejector? If it is, once you install a vaporstat and set it for a max of about 6 ounces, you could just leave the end of this pipe open and drip the condesnate back into the boiler return. I have found that at 8 ounces the steam will just reach the end of the condensor. A couple of big Gorton vents would just serve as back up.

BTW Don't insulate this condensing pipe (or disconnect the radiator)!

Mad Dog

We'll you've heard it from the best....now...

are you convinced my man? Mad Dog

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