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Posted by Steamhead on November 25, 2009 at 23:03:44:
In Reply to: Resizing pipes when moving steam convectors posted by Jim Wilson on November 17, 2009 at 16:44:00:
Generally, if the runout from the main to the convector is going to be longer than 8 feet, you should increase it by one size. And make sure the runout has enough pitch- 1 inch in 10 feet is minimum, and more is better.
: 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.