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Trane convector question...?

Terry O
Terry O Member Posts: 67
I have been asked a question I do not know the answer to.... it has started with a change of a circulator on an electric boiler replacement job. Home has multiple convector units and fin baseboard. The system now has a noticeable "noise" since system changes. Our belief is the noise is coming from velocity with the new UPS 1558FC Grundfos pump which was installed in place of Series 100 B&G. My question is what is the orfice for in the Trane convector (see photo). This unit seems to be source of noise. Thank you in advance!



Terry O

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    Are all the convectors like that? If so, it means that this was probably a "Vapor" steam system that someone converted to hot-water. These orifices are one of several "gotchas" that together add up to make these conversions extremely risky, which is why we don't perform them. Some pics of the mains in the basement and the area around the boiler would help confirm this.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Paul S_3
  • Danny Scully
    Danny Scully Member Posts: 1,416
    Additionally, the orifices can not be removed. Right @Steamhead ?
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    AFAIK, that's correct.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,512
    I wrote about this here: https://heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/noises-follow-a-steam-to-water-conversion/

    It really does pay to wander off The Wall.
    Retired and loving it.
    SWEI
  • Terry O
    Terry O Member Posts: 67
    Hey thanks guys! I told my contractor I knew where I could probably get him an answer! Frank thanks for helping Larry the other night on the phone.... it's a small, small world! We are trying a TACO 0010 3 spd... curve is pretty flat similar to a Series 100 and with 3 speeds he can further slow flow down.

    Dan thanks for the article.... explains situation perfectly! The homeowner said the system developed the noise after the previous contractor installed new boiler/pumps, but could not or would not spend time to investigate it's source. My contractor became involved and the Trane unit became suspect. Through some investigation found the orfice.... just wasn't sure what the culprit was.... or if we could simply drill it out. Thanks again!
    Terry O
    DanHolohan
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,512
    Happy to help! Thanks for the fine story.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Don't ever retire, Dan. We still need you to point us in the right direction.
    My customers think I'm smart, but I learned it all here.
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
    DanHolohan
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,512
    Thanks, Alan. I have a new boss but will do my best to stay curious. :)
    Retired and loving it.
    SWEI
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    Terry O said:

    The homeowner said the system developed the noise after the previous contractor installed new boiler/pumps, but could not or would not spend time to investigate it's source.

    Was the old boiler hot-water, or was that the contractor who converted it?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • cgdelzell
    cgdelzell Member Posts: 22
    I thought dan said the orifice was there for you to drill out? Does not need to be a large hole either, 3/8, 7/17?