Check valve for main vent?

Steve Garson_2

Problem: Radiator "whoosh" sounds from air vent at end of steam cycle. Possible cause: Gorton main vents not opening as fast as the radiator vents, forcing vacuum to be filled from radiator making sounds that are annoying.

Someone on this site suggested installing a check valve in line with the main vent to allow air in if there is vacuum.

Can anyone provide their opinion and advice. Exactly what should I be asking for at the supply house. Are there concerns with this approach? I use three Gorton #1s on each of two mains with Gorton radiator vents. One-pipe steam with new boiler.

gerry gill

how about

intermixing a hoffman 75 amongst the gortons..

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Steve Garson_2

Do you think a Hoffman 4A would do the job? I don't need to vent air out real fast, just need to let it in.

gerry gill

hmmm, i don't know if

it would let it back in any faster than it lets it out...which isn't fast..

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Phillip Biston

I posted a few weeks ago about putting vacuum breakers in line with my Gorton #2's.
I went ahead an installed 2 watts vacuum breakers on each end of the mains just after the last #2. I think they are working very well, the air comes in and cools the manifold I made for the Gortons (4 each end) and they open more quickly, therefore opening them up to also vent. My radiators are holding heat alot longer now.
Phillip

Steve Garson_2

Could I simply connect the present Gorton vent to a Tee and then attach the vacuum breaker with a nipple and elbow?

This solution makes me wonder why I haven't seen anyone with a problem similar to mine?

gerry gill

i like Phillips idea..

it should solve your issue.

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Steve Garson_2

Phillip:

Why would the radiators hold more heat with the vacuum released?

Hitzkup

picture

Phillip: Can you please post a picture of where exactly you installed the vacuum breakers? I would like to install one on my vent manifold.

Thanks
Mark Sch

Phillip Biston

My Gortons were staying shut quite awhile after the boiler shut off, I am guessing due to ambeint temps near the boiler.
After shut down, the system cooled and went into a vacuum, the radiator vents opened well before the main vents did, the air was sucked into the system through the radiators cooling them down in no time.
Now the vacuum is relieved very quickly, whereas before it seemed to take a few minutes to relieve the vacuum.
Phillip