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what is this for

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plumb1pa
plumb1pa Member Posts: 10
in Strictly Steam
20240930_112301.jpg

Two pipe steam residential home no air vents no pump, steam traps and F&T trap on some of the radiator returns. Do I need this?

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  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,886

    That device IS the main vent. At the top you will probably find what looks like a cap, but is actually a check valve that lets air out but not in, forming a vacuum. This was a nice feature in the coal era.

    This is a Webster Vapor system. If there is a Return Trap at the boiler, it's the "Type R" system. If not, it's called the "Modulation" system.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    plumb1pa
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 26,164

    As @Steamhead said — you not only need it, you have to have it! It's essential to the operation of the system!

    While you're at it, find a way to control the steam pressure to between 4 ounces and 8 ounces. You'll need a vapourstat.

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England

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