two pipe steam boiler/Dunham air eliminator

Stuart_4

I have a problem with a residential two pipe steam heating system. I found system off on pressure and creating a vacuum. At the end of the return is a Dunham Air Eliminator. Could this be the problem? Is this Air Eliminator really a steam or bucket trap? Can I repair or replace?

Mad Dog

More likely, it is the old vacuum /air vent

on the dry return. I have seen the air eliminators and return trap get airbound. It can be removed, but you reallly have to know The Steam . Mad Dog

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stuart_5

dunham air elininator

on the top of this air eliminator is a air vent, sorta of like a hoffman 500, w/the disc's. it constantly blows steam when the system is operating.I also took apart this air eliminator. it has a short rod and app.3"float. this float has liquid in it, and seems to rest/seal the bottom of this device. any thoughts? anyone?

Steamhead

Mad Dog is right, it's an air vent

with a vacuum check disc on the outlet. The disc should be removed for oil or gas firing, since vacuum only worked well with coal. The float inside was there to shut the vent if water rose high enough that it might come out the vent.

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Mad Dog

Steamhead is right on

He's a detail guy. alright! Mad Dog

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stuart_5

mad dog's reply

so guys, are you telling me to eliminate the hole air elinimator, or just remove the guts, and reconnect it back to the system? do i need to put anything back in its place? by the way, this is a gas fired steam system and the boiler was replaced app.15-18 yrs. ago and never had any problems before.

Steamhead

No, just remove

the vacuum disc at the outlet. It's usually in a small cage that screws into the air eliminator's body.

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stuart_5

Steamhead's reply

so, just remove the disc's from the vent at the top of the eliminator.can i remove the whole vent at top and replace with anormal air vent that will shut off when the steam hits it and then open later to prevent the vaccumn?

Steamhead

Yes you can

I recommend the Gorton #2 vent as a replacement.

www.gorton-valves.com

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stuart_5

the final word.

to steamhead, and maddog,
thanks guys for your help. i rebuilt the old dunham air eliminator, replaced the old disc type vent w/a new gorton #2 air vent , and all seems right in the world. just returned from customers house after checking the heating system, and found his h/w heater leaking. no rest for the weary.