Strange single pipe steam VALVE

Al Corelli

Single pipe steam system. New customer.

Gorton Brand valves (not vents, yet)

Do these valves allow the throttling of steam while allowing condensate to return?

Do I need more than vapor pressure to make them work? (I plan on installing a vapostat)

Are there any special venting procedures I should know about (beyond Lindhardt's golden three)?

Please explain the basic operation of them.

Christian Egli_2

ON OFF and everything in between

What an exotic find, Al. You say the pictured valve is by Gorton, that's most exotic.

I have no info on the item, but it seems like it is built like a gas cock and possibly, instead of the key shaped slot, we have two holes here, one on top, the larger one for steam to go in, and one smaller one at the bottom for returning the condensate.

This way, throttling can occur all the while the two opposing flow are kept segregated.

Ammark makes a modern version, it's a thermostatic throttling valve for one pipe steam that goes on the supply pipe. These operate by keeping the flow separated, they also have a check valve type thing. The air vent remains standard.

Pressure settings do not change from standard one pipe and doesn't matter all that much, you're not looking at a B dimension on an orificed system where any pressure beyond a low maximum spells disaster. The A measure does not vary according to boiler pressure, but according to piping head loss - so, not much to worry about.

How well does the current throttling work? Can the radiators be controlled on long cycles?

Al Corelli_2

New Customer

We got there today to address the Horrendous Banging from the improperly installed boiler. They've lived with the noise for 15 years, but now they've learned that steam is supposed to be quiet.
I was honest with them. I said i has never seen one of these before, and I would have to do some research. they appreciated my honesty and said to do it "whatever it cost".
I offered to size the vents for them, and let them do the install on the rads, as it would save them money, and us, time. They will also insulate the steam pipes in the basement (we do NOT insulate)after I change the two mains and fix the near boiler piping.
They seem like Nice People.
I am lucky to be blessed with some pretty nice customers, these people will make a great addition.


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

Steamhead (in transit)

Al, that's a Gorton One-Pipe Vapor System

and here is what I have on it. It is a PDF file with two pages, the first from the 1924 ASHVE Guide and the second from the 1925 edition.

I believe the now-famous Gorton #2 vent was originally designed for this system.

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

Al Corelli_2

Thanks Steamhead.

I appreciate your information.

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