BROOMELL VAPOR SYSTEM

BRIANJ

I have a two pipe steam system which contains most of the original Broomell Vapor valves and Union Elbow Returns however, during it's long tenure in my house (about 93 years) some knuckleheads deceided that newer was better and replaced some of the valves and put thermostatic traps on the returns. I think the real problem was too much pressure in the system. I just reduced the pressuretrol settings to .5 and 1.5 psi (previously 3.0 psi) and have ordered a new Vaporstat.

I would like to restore the system to it's original beauty (it is the "heArt of Steam Heat"). Would anyone know where I might be able to find Broomell Vapor valves and Union Elbow returns. Also, I have two original Vapor valve bodies which are missing the disk which controls the amount of steam let into the system. Can anyone recommend machinists/fabricators in the Tri-state area that can make these.

Lastly, I want to repack the stems in the valves but because of the sping mechanism (Self-Packing) I am having some difficulty (not much room for packing material), can anyone give me suggestions/tips on how to do this.

I am quite new to all of this and would appreciate any help at all. Thanks to all of You and the Deadmen I'm having some fun.

Brian Reynolds

I live in Norther New Jersey, Passaic County.

gerry gill

well,

the guys who worked on the system may not have been knuckleheads....thay may have had to replace a bad inlet valve that no longer worked or was leaking steam..and they may have known that they were going to use a standard radiator valve as the replacement..and they may have been smart enough to know that if they did, then the water seal trap would have to be replaced with a thermostatic trap...and they may have known enough about waterseal traps to know that if they didn't replace the water seal when installing the new valve that they would blow steam into the return, guaranteed....so they may have known exactly what they were doing..marsh company makes a valve i believe its called r105 that can be locked at a max open point that works as replacements for valves on water seal systems...if you want to repair those that you have, i would suggest contacting someone like ''tunstall'' company ..maybe they can help. you are correct to switch to a vaporstat tho..

Steamhead

I don't know of any

unless someone is committing the cardinal sin of tearing one of these fine old systems out. But a standard 1/2-inch radiator trap will do the same job as a Broomell water seal, and a good inlet valve (preferably with orificing capability) will work on the steam side.

Tunstall is a company that specializes in duplicating steam system parts- go to www.tunstall-inc.com for more.

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Mad Dog

I'll tell you this Brian....................

Tunstall associates will fabricate anything for you fast and reasonable too...ask for Woody...he's a friend. Also, you are right in Ken Secor's neck of the woods....he would be the most capable contractor in you area to resuciatate that Brommell System. Mad Dog

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patrick linhardt

my favorite system

Hi Brian,

This is my favorite system. We have a restored Broomell receiver on display in the counter area at the supply house where I work. This system had some popularity in Cincinnati, so I run across them on occasion. That's a Broomell receiver that I have in my hand on the cover of my book.

Feel free to contact me with any questions, and good luck.

Best regards, Pat