Main vents for single pipe steam system

Steamhead (in transit)

here's what they look like. This is on a much larger system, so we installed a group of them.

Michael_16

Main vents on single pipe steam system

My heating oil supply company just installed a new Burnham V8 Series Oil-Fired Boiler for my single pipe steam system. The system hisses and I suspect the large valves atop the Hartford loop are in partial working order at best. I am concerned that system debris with soon clog the new radiator vent-rite valves. I live in a rural area and do not have many sources to go to for help, and my oil company is small and can get to me when they have the time.

Is there a way to check these valves? One is a Dole #5, and the other is a Nolan #68? Are these appropriate?

Let me know what questions you have.

AND what insulation is best to wrap my pipes with?

Steamhead (in transit)

Measure

the length and diameter of each steam main and we can tell you what vents are needed. Outside diameter of the pipes is fine, we can translate that to inside diameter. You say the vents are "over the Hartford Loop"- do the mains end there, or are there some smaller-diameter overhead return lines going back to the boiler?

Several companies make fiberglass pipe insulation. Once you know the pipe sizes, you or a contractor can order what you need.

Michael_16

Main valve

One main is 44.58 feet, the other is 54.25 feet and the width of the pipe is 2.5 inches. Also what would you wrap the insulation in, and would a plumbing supply or big box store have the tape and insulation. I have also heard bubble wrap...what is that?

Thank you very much for your help!!!

Rodney Summers

insulation

Typically, the insulation comes with an ASJ (all-service jacket) wrapper, which is basically like tough paper with a foil inner wrapping. They also self-seal, and my local supply house provides a bunch of extra, well, stickers, to seal up seams between tubes if you buy their insulation.

The insulation at the big-box stores I've seen (HD and Lowes) is usually too thin; you'll want it to be at least 1-inch thick rigid fiberglass.

I'm not sure what you're referring to with "bubble wrap"; the only thing that comes to mind is "Reflectix", which is a radiant barrier that is basically bubble wrap with aluminum foil on each side. They have some pretty outrageous claims that, well, I personally don't believe. That wouldn't be appropriate for steam pipe insulation.

-Michael

Steamhead (in transit)

I'll second Another Mike on that

as for your mains, put a Gorton #2 at the end of each one. if you can't find Gortons in your area, call Ken Kunz at Gorton- 908-276-1323 - and tell him I sent you. He will see that you get them.

Michael_16

Main vent & Pipe diameter is 7.5 inches (2.5'' wide)

Is that vent the same as a Nolan 68?

Michael_16

Main Vents

I am familiar with Gorton products and have used their radiator vents in the past. The main vents I have do not look like Gorton vents. I have heard that Dole #5 might also work. Any thoughts based on your experience?

Steamhead (in transit)

Dole #5 would be too small

Go for the Gorton #2.