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Gorton #2 or Hoffman 75

alanm
alanm Member Posts: 112
in Strictly Steam

One pipe steam heat system

Which main vent is better?

Thanks Alan

Comments

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,906

    Multiple Gorton #1's as they appear to be more reliable.

    I could never justify the cost and vent rate of a Hoffman 75.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

    BobC
  • dabrakeman
    dabrakeman Member Posts: 775

    More venting for the money with the Gorton #2. Have you calculated your venting needs (length and pipe size of the mains)?

  • alanm
    alanm Member Posts: 112

    right now…i have a Hoffman 75 at the end of the main (in basement)…..really dont feel like drilling into pipes to add another main…any other suggestion…the Hoffman 75 has not been changed for about 7 years.

    thanks

  • dabrakeman
    dabrakeman Member Posts: 775
    edited September 17

    Again, what are the main pipe sizes and lengths. From that we can determine how much venting is needed. Is the current Hoffman vent working? Unless it is seeing very high pressures or getting water thrown up into it the valve should last well past 7 years.

    With no other information and if you are willing to spend $180 on a Hoffman 75 I would just spend $145 on a Gorton #2, get more than double the venting but you would need to add a reducer since the #2 has 1/2" threads whereas the Hoffman had 3/4".

  • alanm
    alanm Member Posts: 112

    i am getting some water in the radiator valves…..off of the boiler…i have one main that takes care of about 12 radiators thru 3 floors…and then for some reason…another run off the boiler only goes to 3 radiators (one on the 1st, one on the 2nd and one on the 3rd floor).

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,953

    @alanm , how long is the steam main, and what pipe size is it? Without the answer, we can't advise you.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • alanm
    alanm Member Posts: 112

    in the basement, there is about 120 lf of main…..the pipe..hard to tell, as it has insulation and then taped wrapped…but the dimension over that is about 15".

    thanks

  • dabrakeman
    dabrakeman Member Posts: 775

    I assume "the dimension" you are referring to is the circumference measure? If so and if the insulation thickness is 1" then likely your mains are 2.5" (pipe OD diameter of 2.875") but please try to clarify these assumptions. Also, you had mentioned before that you have 2 mains so we would need to know the length of each individually from header to vent locations at end of the mains to calculate the internal volume of each main.

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