Return Vents

Boston help needed

Should returns on a one pipe steam system have air vents?

Ken_8

As long as...

Dimension "A" is okay, and as long as the vent is AFTER the last radiator take-off, you can put them on any part of the dry return you can - preferably at least 12" before an elbow or drop: never on the run of a bull headed tee!

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Boston help needed

Follow-up...

Thanks Ken. I believe Dimension A is ok but my existing vents are within that dimension - on the drops, just above the water line (maybe 6" above the water line). Does this sound ok? Thanks so much for the help!

Dave_62

Return Vents

Does anyone know the answer to this? Thanks for any advice!

Steamhead

Move them up to the level of the steam main

You may need to drill and tap the main, but the vents will work much better.

Are the vents sized properly? Measure the length and diameter of each steam main and tell us what vent is on it.

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Dave_62

Return Vents

One main is 45' long 2.5" pipe with a Gorton#2. One main is 15' long with nothing now but based on your earlier recommendation it will have a Hoffman 4A. The returns have very old radiator vents (1/8" angled) - I can't tell what brand. Thanks for all the help.

Steamhead

Ahh, you're the same guy.....

On a one-pipe system with proper vents at the ends of the steam mains, you don't need return vents. Take them off and install 1/8" plugs in the holes.

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Don_83

Return Vents

One more question. This is the main that only serves the indirect radiators (in ducts) and the returns come directly from the radiators/ducts (i.e., not directly connected to the main). In that case do I need return vents and if so what type? Thanks again!

Steamhead

Don't vent that return

if steam gets in it, it will bang. A main vent will handle the steam main and the vents on the indirects will do the rest.

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Dave_62

Thank You Steamhead

Sounds good. Thanks so much for all the advice/help. Greatly appreciated!