2 pipe steam trv

Garret

I have no facts, only theories. :) And I'm a homeowner, so they're based on no experience.

But I'm very interested in this question. I have a two-pipe steam system as well, and I'm considering replating to further reduce EDR and/or adding TRV valves.

Here's my theory: Startup is the key time... if you take out your orificed valves, and replace them with TRV valves, you run the risk of having only the first floor rads heat up, during the startup/recovery period.

Your system has been balanced for years by the orificed valves, helping it to heat upstairs and downstairs simultaneously.. So you want the new TRV valves to just _reduce_ the inlets from however open they are now. You never want the new valves to open further than the original valves do now.

So my thinking is, when replacing orificed valves with TRV valves, you should add in orifice plates to match the flow reduction you're taking out.

-Garret

Gimpy Greg_3

2 pipe steam trv

My son has a 2 pipe oil fired steam system with no
steam traps on the radiators. Leads one to believe
there may be an orifice in the inlet valve. If I should
find one when replacing the inlet valve with a TRV should
the orifice be left inline or removed ? Would appreciate
theories or facts based on experience, prefer facts.
Regards,
Greg

Steamhead (in transit)

It might be Orifice Vapor

but it also might be something else, like Kriebel, Richardson, O-E or some other version that had innocent-looking return ells with stuff inside them.

Can you get some pics?

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