Lifting Condensate

JimGPE_17

not so much of a solution as a question. I wasn't sure.

What problems resulted?

Mike Salmon

Lifting Condensate

I need to lift low pressure condensate approximately 3 feet after the trap off of a steam to water heat exchanger. Usually you can lift condensate, without a pump if the control valve on the heat exchanger is two position. In this case we have a 1/3 2/3 control valve arrange, so that we have better control at low load conditions. Unfortunately, this does not allow you to lift condensate at low load conditions.
We want to give our owner two options, a condensate return station being the preferred. The owner mentioned a diaphram type device that will accomplish the lifting without a pump. Does anyone have experience with this device that could shed some light on operation, availability and cost?

JimGPE_17

Is this already installed?

If so, is it not working?

With a modulating steam valve you won't lift the condensate at low load, but the condensate will build up in the coil and cripple the heating capacity. Once there is enough condensate/too little heat exchange surface because of the volume of condensate in the heat exchanger coil the steam valve will open more to admit more steam, then you will get condensate lift.

Am I missing something? Not recommended for steam heating coils with very cold air inlet temps, but this ain't that.

bob_50

Lift

I have battled this situation many times. I don't agree with Jim's solution, headaches. IMHO it's the lift station or a Sarco pumping trap. bob

bob_50

Jim

poor temperature control. bob

Mike Salmon

Thanks

I did some research today and found the only way to accomplish this would be the pump-trap you mentioned. At low load, not only do we have poor temperature control, we don't have enough pressure to lift the condensate. We will recommend a condensate return station.
Thanks for your input.