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Single Pipe Steam Heat Radiator Vent ID and Replacement Rec

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MikeC_3
MikeC_3 Member Posts: 51
edited March 5 in Strictly Steam

As per my previous inquiry, I replaced the non-functioning, undersized main valve on my mother's heating system with a Gorton # 2. Whether the ideal fit or not, it sped up the heating time by about a third and reduced gas consumption per week by about 25%.

The only major issue now is two runs of baseboard heat on the first floor furtherest from the boiler in rooms that were "modernized." They still take around 25 minutes to heat up end to end. One is 8 foot in length, the other is 10. They are off a main run of 1 1/2 inch pipe approximately 18 feet.

Using the formula in the G & P guide to balancing, I calculated that they would require a Gorton C or D. However, upon closer inspection (which admittedly, I should have done first), I now realize that these units are vented in a different manner. From reading up in this forum, it seems like this is the preferable way to vent long runs of baseboard - as a two pipe system, allowing the condensate to flow more freely.

So, how does the current configuration affect vent size, if at all? .

Also, the current vents are 3/4 inch and what I believe to be main line type. I haven't had the chance to remove one to inspect it more closely. Is this scenario possible - could they be main vents? Do they make 3/4 radiator vents (not that I have found)? If not, what would be appropriate?

Thanks!

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Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 18,411

    You're right. That looks like an old Flair vent, but it's 3/4". 3/4" convector vents do exist however, and they vent more slowly than main vents.

    Since Hoffman has moved production of air vents to China, with accompanying drastic reductions in venting rates (hey @gerry gill, any way you could test them?) I no longer use or recommend them. But you might try a Vent-Rite #35 or #75 on those baseboards to see how that works.

    But that would still leave the problem of differing thermal behavior between those baseboards and the cast-iron radiators in the rest of the house. This can cause uneven heating.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    MikeC_3
  • MikeC_3
    MikeC_3 Member Posts: 51

    So, there is no issue with using a main vent on a radiator?

    @Steamhead - either of those Vent-Rites would work, but if my calculation is correct (BIG if) , they might be a little on the slow side. Does the method of piping have any effect on vent sizing?

    As far as uneven heating, I am not shooting for absolute perfection. Just hoping for less consumption and somewhat even heating so my mother isn't shutting every door in the house. Moving in that direction with everyone's help here!

    Any idea of the venting capacity of this heap one at Lowe's? Figure I could spend $16 just to see what happens before splurging.

    https://www.lowes.com/pd/Durst-Silver-Hydronic-Baseboard-Heater-Accessory-3-4-in-x-1-2-in-Straight-Quick-Vent-Steam-Compatible-Large-Fixed-Vent-Easy-Installation/3535250

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,652

    Don't buy vents from big box stores

    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/3sZW1el

    mattmia2
  • MikeC_3
    MikeC_3 Member Posts: 51

    Well aware but when the other option is $150+, $16 seems worth it to troubleshoot.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,508
    edited March 5

    I'd probably g o with this and a 90 and an adapter(adapt in the vertical so it doesn't trap water)

    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Jacobus-Maid-O-Mist-0220-5L-1-8-Adjustable-Angle-Steam-Vent-Valve-Kit

    or this and an adapter

    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Jacobus-Maid-O-Mist-J5S4-5-1-4-Straight-Air-Valve-7863000-p

    and this orifice kit

    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Jacobus-Maid-O-Mist-JAC-ORIPAK-Orifices-for-Retrofit-Pack-of-5

  • MikeC_3
    MikeC_3 Member Posts: 51

    @mattmia2 So a Maid-O-Mist #5 has enough venting capacity for such a long run main and baseboard?

    This is why I get confused — when I ask about venting capacities everyone posts links to the Gill & Pajek bible. When I refer to it and take in consideration the length and diameter of the main along with the capacity of baseboard radiators, I come up with a much higher capacity vent.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,508
    edited March 5

    no idea, that is why i posted the link to the set of orifices that cost about as much as the vent or the vent that is an angle vent that comes with the set of orifices

    MikeC_3
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 16,508

    you can always try taking the vent off and see if it heats. i suspect your problem is elsewhere.

    MikeC_3
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 18,411

    OK, is that Gorton #2 on the main feeding the baseboards? If so, how long does it take for the steam to fill the main?

    Also, either of those Vent-Rites should vent considerably faster than the present vent or the one from Lowe's.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • MikeC_3
    MikeC_3 Member Posts: 51

    Yes, it is.

    Everything on the first floor begins to get warm on the valve end within 4-5 minutes including the baseboards. The heat then just creeps along them at a snails pace, unlike the other tubular radiators .

    I have Gorton # 5's on everything on the floor except for a #4 on a smaller radiator almost directly above the boiler and one on the room with the thermostat. I'll probably change that one to a #5 — it is diagonally across the building from the boiler and I think that the distance alone will slow it down sufficiently.

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