[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Posted by Jim Wilson on November 17, 2009 at 16:44:00:
I have a one-pipe steam system with fin/tube convectors located in the walls with steel cover plates.
I'm doing some renovations and will be moving some of the convector locations.
My question is on sizing the new pipes. I figured I have two choices:
1.) if I'm not adding much length I should just use the existing pipe size and if I'm adding enough length increase the line by one size, eg. 1.25->1.5. The problem is what is much length? 10%, 15%, 20%, etc. I could also consider that adding length to a small pipe has a greater impact than adding it to a larger pipe and use a different rule-of-thumb percentage based on pipe dia.
2.)The other option is to calculate the pressure drop and velocity but I don't know the actual EDR surface or the weight of steam being used.
Finally, how stupid is it for a very experienced DIY guy, who has not fit steam pipes but has done every other possible plumbing/construction job (including natural gas lines) with little or no problem, to attempt this job by himself?
Thanks.