Need some advice on optimizing my Mains

JackT · January 9

Just installed a new steam boiler-1 pipe system and I'm in the process of tweaking it to make sure it doesn't suffer the same fate as my previous one( not at least while I'm alive) which was here when I moved in 15yrs ago. So far so good. No complaints. We'll see. Here's my situation with the mains. I have 2 mains from the riser to the end of the line

1)25 ft 2" pipe——.023 cubic feet of air in each linear foot on a 2" pipe would be .575 per the Gill and Pajek manual

2)27 ft 2" pipe———.624 cubic feet of air

at the very end of each main is a Gorton D vent in a 1/8 tapping. I'm sure I can do better but the problem is space so a Gorton #2 is out of the question. The piping must be the original being that it was covered in asbestos(gone) when I looked at the house, so that would make the piping 100 yrs old. I'm reluctant to tap a bigger hole because of this and even if I could it would be to enlarge the hole that's already there. There is no space in that are where I could work with a drill. Here are some pics

This is what I have to work with.Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

delcrossv · January 9

With a short nipple and an expansion coupling to 1/2" you could put whatever you want there. You seem to have room for at least a #1

Jamie Hall · January 9

And if you want more you can continue going out sideways with nipples and Ts and stick a few more on there. Just make sure the sideways extension is level or sloping back to the main a bit.

JackT · January 9

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1833302#Comment_1833302

Thanks

JackT · January 9

JackT · January 9

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1833317#Comment_1833317

What is your opinion on widening that hole to 1/4 and/or the number of vents to add per my calculations

ethicalpaul · January 9

The D is the same venting size as a #1 so you already have the equivalent of a #1 on each main

Others will likely disagree, but in my opinion, based on how fast steam actually moves down a pipe on a call for heat (even an insulated one), a #2 is more venting than will help you for your lengths of 2" mains

JackT · January 9

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1833354#Comment_1833354

There's no room for a #2 anyway. Btw. Love your Youtube channel and the video on how to make your boiler last forever. Great work

EBEBRATT-Ed · 12:41AM

Drill a new hole in a different location and add another vent if you need to. One vent will close first when the steam gets there but thats fine.

I prefer to drill and tap a fitting as they are usually thicker than the pipe.

I would be cautious about extending 1/8" or 1/4" pipe too much or increasing it to 1/2". Too much weight and can be easy to break off especially if not supported.

Need some advice on optimizing my Mains

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