Robertson \" air expeller\"

Mikki Nyzio

I have an old ( 1930's) steam-vacuum heating system. Was coal ....then oil...now natural gas.

There are two "Robertson Air Expellers" on the return lines. The one is shooting off steam regularly.....this just started...a few days ago. I can't locate a replacement part for this and my local heating supply store suggested this site.

Would appreciate the help! Thanks

Steamhead

Sure it's not a \"Richardson\"?

This sounds like the main vent used on the Richardson Vapor system. You can replace them with standard vents. Use the biggest one available- the Gorton #2. It's best to change all of the vents- if one has died the other can't be far behind.

Check the boiler's operating pressure too. The Richardson was one of the few Vapor systems that permitted steam to enter the dry (overhead) returns. This was to close the vents and allow vacuum to form. This only worked well with coal firing though.

If you have that much steam in the dry returns, the pressure is too high. Turn the Pressuretrol all the way down- or better yet, replace it with a Vaporstat that cannot be set higher than 1 PSI.

www.gorton-valves.com

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Mikki Nyzio

You're Correct!


Thanks!!!!

It was Richardson.....I'm not familiar with Gorton #2 is this something I can get at the local supply store?

Steamhead

Depends

on where you are. If you can't find them in your area, go to Gorton's site for contact info. Talk to Ken Kunz and tell him I sent you. He will see that you get what you need.

You're very lucky to have a Richardson Vapor system. If you have "The Lost Art of Steam Heating", this system is covered in chapter 15. If you don't have it, order a copy on the Books and More page of this site.

It would probably also be a good idea to have someone come out and go over the system with you. This way you'd know exactly what you have and what maintenance it might need. Try the Find a Professional page of this site to locate someone near you. If you're in the Baltimore area, contact me!

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Mikki Nyzio

Thanks!!!! From Scranton,PA

I'm from Scranton,PA.....Haven't really found anyone in my area who know this system...

Steamhead

I e-mailed the link to this thread

to Mike Kraft, a.k.a. "Cheese", who is somewhere east of Scranton but I can't remember how far. He is the closest one that I'm familiar with.

If Mike can't help you, let me know. I sometimes do out-of-town consulting, and Scranton is a day trip from Baltimore.

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