Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Wacky Steam Trap Configuration

justinh
justinh Member Posts: 7


Hi. My building is a 16 story building in lower Manhattan. We are setting about replacing all radiator steam traps throughout the building. We have a two pipe steam system designed and installed in the mid 1980s. Wondering if anyone has any idea what someone was thinking when configuring these two-trap set ups shown above. This configuration is found in a good handful of locations throughout the building. We are considering changing this configuration to a more standard setup as found in most places in our building. But wanted to see if there was some acceptable rationale for installing these two traps in one location. The image below shows a more typical setup found throughout with just one trap.



Any input is much appreciated. Thank you.

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,159
    I can think of one reason, though it may not be the right one -- that big Nicholson will pass a lot more air than the little Stirling, and thus the fin tube to which it is attached will heat up a lot faster.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Charlie from wmass
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,615
    Someone did it that way for a reason. I'd think long and hard about why they did it that way. Like Jamie said, the first thing that pops into my mind is quicker venting—is there a reason why this (& the others) might need to heat faster than the others? Entrances, exterior walls, larger spaces, north facing, lots of glass? Step back and look at the whole picture and see if there's a common thread that ties them all together.

    And, of course, maybe someone hacked them in in an attempt to fix a problem, or they had extras on the truck that they didn't want to send back. Ya never know!

    Mike_Sheppard
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,452
    The Nicholson will only act as an air vent. It should never see any water. According to what I saw on line they both appear to be standard thermostatic traps.

    I see no need for two traps as long as the sterling is sized properly
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796

    I can think of one reason, though it may not be the right one -- that big Nicholson will pass a lot more air than the little Stirling, and thus the fin tube to which it is attached will heat up a lot faster.

    You nailed it, Jamie. There is no other reason for installing the Nicholson that way. We've done the same thing.

    I'd bet these are installed at the tops of risers or other far-flung locations in the system.
    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
    Yes to what Jamie said.
    Retired and loving it.
  • the_donut
    the_donut Member Posts: 374
    So why two traps instead of 1 larger trap or an air vent?
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,512
    One trap serves strictly as an air vent to the dry return and the main vent down the line. It makes the unit heat more quickly. It's an old-school trick, similar to using a crossover trap from the main to the dry return. It's sort of like adding a one-pipe steam vent to a two-pipe radiator, without having the problems that the vent would present.
    Retired and loving it.
    JUGHNE
  • justinh
    justinh Member Posts: 7
    Thanks all. Very helpful. Makes a lot of sense. And Steamhead is correct that these configurations are found in upper floors. Haven't found this below the 14th floor. Everyone's feedback is much appreciated!