Thanks Steamhead and Gorton

Bob C_2

Let me start off by saying "I wish I did this last year".

About a year ago, I asked Steamhead for the correct vents for my single pipe steam system. The 2 1/2 inch mains go off in 2 directions with lengths of 15 and 39 feet. The returns are 1 1/4 inch pipe with vents located at the end of the returns before it drops. I replaced all of my radiator vents last year with VariValves and ended up putting them on the mains. I put 1 vent on the short main and 3 on the long main.(On a side note, I called VariValve and they said their 1/8 vents can be used on the mains. They market the valves as radiator and main vents.) My system did heat faster last year but I was still was not satisfied.

If you wonder how I came up with 1 VariValve vent on the short main and 3 on the long main, I'll tell you. Highly scientific. I'll put 1 vent on the short main and since the long main is 2.6 time larger, I'll round up to 3 and add 3 vents. LOL

I was reading some posts last week about venting and decided to finally buy the vents that SteamHead recommended. A Gorton #1 on the short main and a Gorton #2 on the long main.

I changed the vents this weekend. Looking at a Gorton #2 compared to 3 VariValves made me laugh. After installing the vents, I turned up the heat and measured how fast the steam reached the ends of the mains. I used the highly scientific method of holding my hand on the pipe and looking at my watch.

I held the pipe at the first elbow above the boiler until it got hot then I went to the end of the short main. It took 3 minutes 15 seconds for the end of the main to get hot. I walked over to the long main and it took an extra 45 seconds for it to get hot. So, both mains get hot after 4 minutes. This is A LOT faster than before.

Is 4 minutes good?

Now that I have my mains balanced better, I can play with the radiator vents. Since the mains where not balanced properly, I needed to compensate with the radiator vents. This is getting addicting.

Thanks Again,
Bob

I really like the VariVents when used on the radiators, just not the mains.

Bob_43

Steamhead

Steamhead,

I'm still getting some hissing during heating and a vacume at end of cycle from the two radiators at the end of the longest main with the gorton #2. Should I add a Gorton #1 or another #2 on this main to help with the hissing and vacume? If you read my post above, the main is still about 1 min behind the short main when heating.

Thanks,
Bob

Steamhead (in transit)

Apparently

that long main wants more venting. This isn't the first time I've seen this happen, but you have to start somewhere and Gerry & Steve's venting measurements are the best I've ever seen.

Try adding a Gorton #1 teed on the riser with the Gorton #2 on that long main.

Regarding the vacuum: are ALL your steam pipes insulated?

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Bob_43

Yes, All insulated. I will add a Gorton #1 and see what happens.

Thanks.