Univent

Jeff_28

I was evaluating a steam trap on a univent and noticed some tubing that ran from the inlet side of the coil and tied into the down stream side of the trap, allowing steam to flow freely into the condensate return. The condensate return is all gravity drain. What is the purpose of this tubing – besides wasting energy?

Big Ed

I wonder .....

.....if it's a misplaced drip? Is there a dip in the supply pipe or zone valves for the heating coils?

Jeff_28

I do not think it is a drip. The tubing ties into the top of the coil manifold, downstream of the zone valve, and goes up, runs across the coil then makes a turn down to the tie in point. I could not see any other fitting in the tubing. I too thought something is piped wrong but every univent in the school, about 30 units, are piped like this. My first thought is to remove the tubing and blank off the connections, but I'm thinking the tubing is there for a reason.

Big Ed

Vaccum Breaker

Could it be a vacuum breaker ? For when the zone valve closes ......the remaining steam will condense dropping pressure and holding back the condensate from draining..