On Nov 6, 6:26*pm, Bubba wrote:
On Thu, 6 Nov 2008 06:29:41 -0800 (PST), Sue
wrote:





Hi all-
Run across a confounding problem with my steam heating system.
It is a one pipe system, Burnham gas boiler, has 6 radiators on two
floors.

The issue I am having is that the Pressuretrol is set to 2PSI for the
main tank, yet the internal syphon gauge regularly goes up to 8PSI.
Around the time the internal gauge hits 8PSI, the furnace clicks off.
The radiators are pretty darn hot when the cycle runs.

This has been going on for a few weeks and is, I think, the core
problem.

However, just yesterday, the system turned on, went up to 8PSI,
clicked off, but no heat came through the radiators.

Any ideas on the cause of each problem? *I would guess they are
related, but am stumped as to the cause.

Many thanks,
Ryan

Ryan or Sue,
A steam boiler is a very interesting animal. Simply put, in a
residential 1 pipe application, the water boils, steam goes out the
pipe, pushing the air ahead of it and the condensate water returns
back. Very simple process but it must be able to get rid of the air
first before the steam can travel. This requires properly installed
main air vents and radiator vents. The piping must all be properly
sized and pitched. You also need to drain the crud from the bottom
periodically but by adding fresh water you also introduce fresh
minerals. Its all a balancing act. By the way, 8lbs of steam is WAY
WAY TOO much. Most resi apps dont even show any pressure as less than
0.5 psi is enough to do most homes. Start out with a heating company
that has someone trained in Steam boilers or read a book such as one
produced by Dan Holohan "The lost art of steam heating" .
Good Luck
Bubba- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yes, the book seems like a good idea, seen it a couple of times.
Thanks for the help.

Ryan