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steam return piping lower than receiver inlet

Billy March_2
Billy March_2 Member Posts: 57
in THE MAIN WALL
I am piping out a steam coil on a unit that has the steam outlet piping too low for the condensate pump. The machine is on a concrete pad that is about 4 inches high and the steam return piping lands about 7 inches above finished floor.Condensate has to be pumped back to boiler room and the condensate pumps piping outlets are higher than the bottom of the steam coil. Digging the floor down and lowering the receiver to accommodate the needed piping height is NOT an option. Can I install a check valve on the piping after installing a steam trap and then jump up a few inches to make it to the inlet of the condensate pump or am I causing a problem with the steam trap being lower than the pump??

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,383
    You'll have to run the steam pressure higher than normal to make that work, and if water collects in the coil while the pressure is down, returning steam would probably make it bang. Look for another solution that would let the condensate drain by gravity into the receiver, maybe you could pipe it into another part of the basement where the floor is lower.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
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  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,477
    As Steamhead said you can lift the condensate with steam pressure but not recommended unless there is no alternative.

    The important thing is if the steam coil is heating outdoor air and a component fails, control valve, control, damper etc. you will freeze the coil for sure sooner or later if you are lifting the condensate
  • Billy March_2
    Billy March_2 Member Posts: 57
    Thanks for the replies. I will have to find an alternate solution...
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,276
    Probably can't raise the machine at this point??
  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    Find a condensate tank with two pumps. Take one pump out and fabricate a blank-off plate with a female thread acceptance. Or tap and thread the side of a one-pump tank. Might lose your warranty, though.
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    Cut the slab, and lower the condensate tank?
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,477
    They make condensate tanks that are made to have the top flush with the floor Shipco Pump
    .http://www.shipcopumps.com/products/index.php?category=condensate&id=type-duc

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