Posted by Mark on October 19, 2001 at 06:16:03:
In Reply to: Thermostatic Radiator Valves posted by Mark on October 18, 2001 at 22:09:00:
: I have a single pipe steam system in an eight unit apartment complex and often (always) have trouble getting equal heat in all units. I have heard about these valves but don't know much about them. Thought maybe they would help some in the units that get too hot. If anyone has any advice on these, I would like to learn more. Thanks.
Mark,
I have a Honeywell Thermostatic Radiator Valve Model T104A / V110F (Valve body) on one of my Radiators located in a mid sized bedroom and it works very well. However, I have a two pipe system. In a one pipe system you can not regulate the steam flow because the same pipe is used to return the condensate back to the boiler. If a valve was placed on that pipe and throttled back, I imagine the condensate would simply fill the radiator after a while and squirt out the vent.
Since I don't have to much experience with a one pipe system I am speaking strictly from reasoning and what I have read. Perhaps someone else can verify what I am saying.
Second point. Take a close look at your vents on the radiators. Some of the larger radiators may require the addition of another vent to do the job. Also, make sure all are working correctly. In theory, if everything is vented correctly, all radiators would be the same temp at about the same time provided the rest of the system is set up correctly.
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET THIS BOOK:
"The Lost Art of Steam Heating" by Dan Holohan
1-800-853-8882
It describes in enough detail the physics involved in steam systems.
Also look at heatinghelp.com. A very good site.
Hope this helps.