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Steam system condensate capacity.

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stopgogo
stopgogo Member Posts: 25
in Strictly Steam
Does anyone know the formula for testing condensate capacity in a steam system. I work with various systems each with a different capacity but I would love to fill a 3 gallon bucket in a set time and measure the condensate saturation so I can recommend the right size trap for the system.

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  • MilanD
    MilanD Member Posts: 1,160
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    There has to be some edr to steam ratio, depending on the edr attached.

    This said, I've read in some old book somewhere, traps are sized to the size of main piping. Main is again, sized to the edr load. So, for systems with returns to up to 2.5", I am certain one Hoffman 56-like FT (1") is fine. You can pipe in an extra thermostatic trap (like old warren webster 784 - also 1") on a branch with/ in front of FT to handle any extra condensate if worried about it. Once it's flooded with condensate, T trap will also open to let the condensate through.
  • MilanD
    MilanD Member Posts: 1,160
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    The above being said, if you can pipe a p trap like piping, with a pet cock drain at the bottom for draining/servicing, no needs for traps.
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,545
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    Steam main drip traps are sized by calculating the WEIGHT of the pipe and fittings used to pipe the main. Radiation capacity (EDR) is used to size traps for the radiation.

    Keep in mind that traps are usually sized with a safety factor (at least 1.5, and usually not more than 3.0) so sizing isn't super critical.

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