Richardson Vapor System

Dave Stroman

Just picked up this old book on eBay. I think it is so cool to find the original books on the boilers I am tearing out. If this is not the one you have, discribe it to me and I will see if I have a photo of it.

Dave in Denver

dan holmes_3

richardson vapor system

Recieved a call to replace a steam boiler today. Found a richardson vapor system. Over 30 some years have changed 30 0r so one pipe boilers. first issue boiler is cracked and I cannot fire it to see if all the parts work. next issue is if some parts dont work can I get them eg.air expeler? last issue tell me what I can do wrong? It is a small home 5 rooms 96K btu gas penco coming out same size burnham going in.

patrick linhardt

steady as she goes

Hi Dan,

Since you have replaced boilers before, this should not be any different. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's intallation instructions, especially the sizing and orientation of the near boiler piping. Then give it a good skimming or cleaning.

As for the Richardson system, there is information in the "Library" section of this site. Print it off and give it a read, it is only two pages. Tha air eliminator is nothing more than a float type thermostatic vent, with a check valve to keep a vacuum. We don't need the vacuum anymore with automatic fired boilers, so a Hoffman or Gorton will do if the air eliminator has to be replaced. The return fittings on the radiators are a different animal, but I don't know of any reason why you could not replace with a radiator trap if needed. Not too much to go wrong with them, so try to keep it original if possible.

Anything can go wrong, this is the heating industry. Just take your time and follow the instructions. Send pictures if you get stuck. Always glad to help a contractor in need.

Besr regards, Pat

Mad Dog_2

You'll be fine Dan..............................................

IF!!!!!! You are already a good steam man. I'd oversize your header coming out of the boiler to atleast 2 1/2" on a small boiler like that. 3" might be overkill. With Vapor, you want lots of room for the steam to dry out and gently waft out to the system. As Pat said, replace the expeller/vacuum vent with a couple of nice Gorton #2s or several hoffmans. You might also want to put some main vents at the end of the steam supply mains before they drop in top the wet return if there is one. The Richardson Systems we have around here...also called Boyton & Richardson (I guess he took on a partner...steamhead would know the history), are set up this way. When I did my first one, I too was nervous and called Dan. He said, " Just pipe a nice big fat header, vaporstat as low as yiou can go and clean the heck out of it. Don't get too crazy about the rest of the system yet. Change it out and most will fall in to place. HOWEVER!!!!!!!, make sure your contract states that you are replacing the boiler and NOT responsible for the the rest of the system BECAUSE you CANNOT run it to see whats up. It must be a seperate issue! Stiplulate this and verbally explain that before you take the job. Those trapped elbows rarely go bad and can be cleaned out if they are clogged. The 2 rads that were not getting hot before the swap heated well afterward due to the new main vents. The pic that I am posting was a Burnham on that Richardson system....this boiler also made that years Burnham Calendar....who knows, maybe yours will be next year? Put your best foot foward.
We can't wait for pictures. Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Bob W._3

It had to have been the shimmering asphalt paint:)

dan holmes_2

thanks for the info and the pictures.By the way mad dog nice legs in the piture. Icould not see the return in the piture. Mine has a check valve and the equlizer drops in to a hardford loop.Booth enter at the very bottom of the boiler. this is not the orig.boiler it is a penco about 30 years old.

Mad Dog_2

I won Mr Sexy Legs on a cruise once

and Best Body in Highschool.....then the copious amounts of beer and food took hold. I'm finally getting the time to be seroius about my health now that we are settled in to the house, baby is over colic, mom is doing decent, and business is going very smoothly. Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

patrick linhardt

thanks!

> Just picked up this old book on eBay. I think it

> is so cool to find the original books on the

> boilers I am tearing out. If this is not the one

> you have, discribe it to me and I will see if I

> have a photo of it.

>

> Dave in Denver

patrick linhardt

thanks!

Hi Dave,

I love the old stuff, thanks for sharing. This is different from what is in the "Library", which descibes the system more than the boiler.

Best regards, Pat