2 Pipe Steam Radiator / Blower Unit
Good Morning… I have a quick question… does anyone have any experience with this type of steam radiator unit? This is installed in what was a Chinese Grocery store here in Silver City, New Mexico (1937-1987 store was operating). I am the 'new' owner and am looking for information about the viability of this unit. It has an electric fan in the back. The unit is not currently working (but does not leak)… Ultimately I am looking to relocate this into my un-heated shop. Steam pipes are easy to access and the install should be relatively straight forward… I Hope…. Anyone out there have any ideas… is this a bad idea? is there a modern version of this that may save a rebuild? Any information is helpful. Thank you!
Comments
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There should be a union somewhere to you can remove it. If the motor works, shouldn't be an issue reusing it.
Just make sure it stays oiled.
you'll want to replicate the sludge trap and screen like it has now in your new install.
Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.1 -
Don't know how many steam contractor are in New Mexico but when relocating the pitch of the steam piping is important.
Some installers may not be familiar with steam so use some caution.
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that is called a unit heater. make sure it has the capacity to do what you are trying to do with it. the motor can probably be replaced if it were to fail. the fan is probably controlled by an aquastat on the piping somewhere
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Why does this have a screen and mud trap but radiators don't?
A friend of mine has several boxes like this in his house, they brought in fresh air, ran it through the box and into the home, but they are all disabled now. One of them were even co-opted by air conditioner installers who used it as part of an ad-hoc air handler.
NJ Steam Homeowner.
Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el1 -
Probably due to the small passages in the heater.
Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.0 -
I could see that perhaps if the screen were on the input, but that's the output, no?
NJ Steam Homeowner.
Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el0 -
I'd have to see it to be sure, but you may be right. Makes for a mystery.
Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.0 -
Usually to protect the steam trap. Probably because commercial installers spec unit heaters and residential people spec'd radiators and the architect was just following the catalog.
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Is that rotary switch to turn it on and off?
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Bingo!
Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
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The unit heater makes a lot more condensate than a radiator too. A 10,000 btu/hr radiator is a monster but a 100,000 btu/hr unit heater isn't uncommon.
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Great Information! Thank you all.
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