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two pipe radiator in one pipe system

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mikeinbeacon
mikeinbeacon Member Posts: 3
in Strictly Steam

I have a one pipe steam system with the exception that two radiators have both an inlet from the supply and an outlet to the main return, both controlled by gate valves located at the bottom of the radiators. Both radiators also have a vent valve. They both work but the heat generated is less than other radiators in the house. My question is: can I shut off the return side so those two radiators work as a one pipe system and therefore, hopefully, generate more heat. Both those radiators supplies are also connected to the main return. This is a two story, one family residence built in the late 1800's.

Comments

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,648

    probably not. show us how they are connected to the system.

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 26,853

    Might or might not work… might work better. Might not work at all. I would need to know a lot more about just how they are piped and what that return really is (not all ""returns" are returns — some are steam main extensions and work very differently).

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,648
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1877932#Comment_1877932

    or wet returns may no longer be below the water line…

  • mikeinbeacon
    mikeinbeacon Member Posts: 3

    Guys, thanks for the prompt reply. Both radiators are connected to the house main supply located at the top of the basement ceiling and drain to the house main return located beneath the boiler water level. I've no problem with the system overall, just wondering if the return valve could have a thermostatic shutoff, although the system is over 100 yrs. old. I had the boiler replaced about three yrs. ago.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,648

    if the return connects to a wet return and it is indeed filled with water it is working a intended. the vent is how the air gets out of the radiator. that long with the main controls how fast steam gets to and in to the radiator. make sure the supply valve is all the way open, you could probably throttle the steam with that.

  • mikeinbeacon
    mikeinbeacon Member Posts: 3

    Interesting idea, will try throttling the return valve, not all the way, and see what happens. Thanks again, will get back to you after this experiment.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,648

    the supply valve. leave the return valve fully open. make sure the supply valve is fully open if you want full capacity but your problems are likely elsewhere

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