#500 AIRID Main Vent

gerry gill

the #500 arid is a radiator vent with 1/8th inch pipe threads..shouldn't be on the main anyhow.

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Ken_33

Hello all, what a great forum, I've learned a lot already. I am a homeowner, recently introduced to a one pipe steam heating system. I bought Dan’s book We Got Steam Heat and found it both entertaining and informative. I am currently in the process of insulating the mains in the basement with 1 inch fiberglass insulation. It appears that there is only one main vent in the system and it is tapped into the drip return. It is an American Radiator #500 Ideal AIRID which I suspect no longer functions. The mains consist of approx 34 ft of 2 inch pipe there are approx 42 ft of 1-1/2 inch branches teeing off of it to either 1st floor rads or 2nd floor risers and rads. Each rad has a heat-timer Vari Valve quick vent installed. All of the rads heat eventually, although some are faster than others. No water hammer or hissing vents so far. My question is, what should I replace the AIRID with? I am hesitant to try to break open fittings and the like, but if I can get this thing out, maybe I can replace it and speed up the flow of steam especially to the upstairs rads. It is getting chilly in the bedroom at night. Thanks for your assistance.

Steamhead (in transit)

Use

two Gorton #1 or Hoffman #75 vents on that main. The Gortons are a bit less expensive.