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1 pipe steam radiator sludge

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NotSoYeung
NotSoYeung Posts: 1
edited February 2023 in Strictly Steam
hi guys, 

I'm new here, but been a service technician for a few years, got more things to learn.

I have a 11 radiator 1 pipe steam boiler system, I have been incrementally improving upon it, mostly from information here.  Below is what I have installed.

anyway, my current problem is dealing with banging noises.  it's almost like a drum roll banging noises at a few radiators.

Recently, upon removing 3 radiators, ( install flooring under the radiator), I see a large buildup of scale (it feels as solid as the cast iron) inside one radiator.  Presumably this can cause a pocket of water and cause hammering.  is there any chemical I can use to soften this scale/sludge for easier removal?

Comments

  • stevenknaub
    stevenknaub Posts: 37

    did you receive any answers? Even one?

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Posts: 18,146

    unless the radiators hav uvusually narrow passages that isn't your problem.

  • 109A_5
    109A_5 Posts: 4,545

    Pipe pitch elsewhere near the radiator causing water to puddle in the pipe.

    A magnet would tell you if the " large buildup of scale " is actually cast iron.

    National - U.S. Gas Boiler 45+ Years Old
    Steam 300 SQ. FT. - EDR 347
    One Pipe System
  • leonz
    leonz Posts: 1,947
    1. Please be sure to use a bubble level on each radiator to check it for adequate slope back to the main.

    2 please check all the steam feeder pipes for adequate slope back to the boiler to allow drain back of the condensate back to the boiler.

  • patrykrebisz
    patrykrebisz Posts: 151
    edited 1:23PM
    1. Failed valve gasket falls down and blocks water draining out of rads.
    2. Pitch of pipes near radiator.

    Ethical Paul has numerous videos that show that radiator pitch isn't that important. It might only matter with very small inlets.

    »»» See my steam heat YouTube videos:
    https://www.youtube.com/@HeatingBlog

    ethicalpaul

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