richardson 3 in 1 steam system

Pat Macdonnell

2 pipe steam never shuts off on pressure, only on thermostat
where can i get vacumn/vent and traps

Steamhead

The Richardson

used water seals instead of traps on the radiator returns. But you can use standard radiator traps as replacements.

The vacuum venting feature only worked well on coal firing. With oil or gas you'll often have air trapped in the system when the burner shuts off. This air will expand under vacuum and can block steam circulation.

Additionally, the steam mains need to be vented as well as the dry return. When done properly, this will ensure that steam is available at each radiator connection at the same time. Measure the length and diameter of each steam main and we'll tell you what you need.

Pat Macdonnell

Do I know "water seal" as something else?
Unfamiliar w/ the term

Steamhead

On the Richardsons I've seen

a special elbow is used on each radiator return connection. This elbow has a tube that dips into the water standing in the very bottom of the radiator, and there is a small hole drilled into the side of this tube which allows air to escape into the dry return. It looks like a regular ell from the outside, except that it sticks out further from the rad than a standard elbow would. See page 263 of "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" for a diagram and description.

Take some pics of that system if you can, and post them here. We can help you identify the various parts.