two zones, different piping systems??

Matt_29

I have a residential, hot water boiler system, one zone (first floor) simple closed loop system..(in one radiator and out to another) with (3) standing cast-iron radiators- one-inch copper piping througout to the radiators- circulator on the return (terrible I know.. but the system has been flawless).. I plan on changing the existing circulator and adding another circulator to the supply side for an additional zone for the basement. My question is, May I use a one-pipe diverter-tee type system with standing cast-iron radiators for my second zone which will be below the main?.. and can they be bottom-fed radiators? Does it matter where the inlet and return on the individual radiator is located? (inlet on the bottom, return on the top end of the rad?? or can they be both at the bottom??) I plan on having (4) radiators for the basement zone..I have acccess to some free radiators!!

Al Letellier

basement zone

Sure you can, but you have to be careful how you pipe it. With one circ on the return and one on the supply side, things can get cross-connected very easily. When doing a monoflow system with the radiators below the main, use two diverter tees for each rad, size the main and the circulator correctly and you should be all set. This can be more that a DIT project, so consult a pro.

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Michal

also space the tees

also very important is to space the diverter tees apart, they need a minimum i think 20" between them to work properly, this eliminates disturbance in the flow, but honestly I would do a 2 pipe system, but you can do what you said. inlet, well stagering them would be best to get cross flow through radiatror, but accomodate for the pressure drop through radiator and size main and pump accordingly